The Societe Nautique de Geneve (SNG), represented by Alinghi, received a challenge from the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC), represented by Team Origin, for the 33rd America’s Cup. AC Management (ACM) has now informed the RTYC and Team Origin that its challenge has been accepted. Following the Spanish Club Nautico Español de Vela’s challenge represented by Desafio Espanol and the South African Royal Cape Yacht Club’s challenge represented by Team Shosholoza, the Royal Thames Yacht Club’s challenge, represented by Sir Keith Mills’ Team Origin, becomes the third officially accepted challenge for the 33rd America’s Cup since Alinghi completed its successful defence of the 32nd America’s Cup on 3rd July 3007.Mike Sanderson, Team Director of Team Origin, said, “These are exciting times for the America’s Cup competition. A new class of boat will put all challengers, old and new, on an equal footing. Other than the techniques used to design and build boats there will be little of technical value to be taken forward from the old class. The first generation of any new yacht racing class always sees many differences show up in the different concepts adapted by the various design teams. We believe it will be easier for a new team to become competitive at the America’s Cup with the introduction of a new class of boat and should deliver faster sailing and a more exciting spectacle.” Sir Keith Mills concluded, “Our goal is to win the America’s Cup and bring the Auld Mug back to British shores for the first time in history. The challenge is therefore an important and positive step forward to achieving our objectives and we look forward to further event details being announced and other teams joining us for the 33rd America’s Cup.” This is the 21st time that a British yacht club’s challenge for the America’s Cup will result in racing for the ultimate prize in sailing. To sign up for regular team updates please visit www.teamorigin.com
