Trouble at the Cup

With just days to go until the start of the Louis Vuitton Cup, the selection series for the challengers for the America’s Cup, the scene is anything but harmonious.

Ever since Race Director Iain Murray proposed his 37 safety recommendations, things have heated up.

At issue is Murray’s proposal to increase the size of the rudder elevators which, it is claimed by some, will benefit the U.S. team.

Emirates Team New Zealand has already filed a protest with the International Jury over the changes, claiming: "The contentious Class Rule changes are performance-related rules not necessary to ensure safety."

And the Italian Luna Rosa team is intending to protest, with skipper Max Sirena telling the media: "I’m not saying all the changes have been made for them (Oracle Team USA), but it’s nothing related to safety. What really upsets me is that there is one boat sailing (Oracle Team USA) since they launched on April 24 who has been sailing out of the class rule."

Murray, for his part said that he found the protests insulting: "In terms of these changes being at the behest of Oracle Team USA, I’d remind everyone that the Regatta Director is appointed jointly by the competitors to act on behalf of each and every one of them in a fair and neutral way. America’s Cup Race Management, which I lead, is owned and controlled by the competitors,” he said.

"I do not answer to ACEA. I do not answer solely to Oracle Team USA nor do I answer solely to Emirates Team New Zealand or Luna Rossa or Artemis Racing. As the Regatta Director and CEO of America’s Cup Race Management, I am responsible for providing neutral, independent, professional and fair race management."

Murray went on to say that all the teams were at the meeting where the safety proposals, including the rudder elevator requirements, were tabled and all agreed ‘in principle’.

It will be interesting to see what the International Jury thinks.