World Sailing Sanctioning Deal Agreed With America’s Cup After CEO Disagreement

Emirates Team New Zealand have stated they have a sanctioning deal in place with World Sailing for the 2021 edition in Auckland.

World Sailing’s CEO Andy Hunt had been accused of “circumventing the process by contacting the New Zealand government” by Emirates Team New Zealand, before Hunt was announced to be leaving World Sailing at the end of this calendar year.

Thanks to this new agreement they will be able to pay World Sailing in order to use their rules and officials, with World Sailing said: “The agreement sees the America’s Cup re-established as a member of World Sailing’s family of special events. World Sailing will continue its role in ensuring the fairness and integrity of the America’s Cup through the appointment of race officials, the approval of the specialist Racing Rules of Sailing (America’s Cup Edition) and management of the anti-doping programme.

“World Sailing, the Defender and Challenger of Record will also work together on implementing sustainability programmes throughout the Cup, Prada Cup Challenger Selection Series and other preliminary events. The organisations will also work closely together on promoting and enhancing the media coverage of the sport globally.”

Kim Andersen, the World Sailing president, commented: “As one of the pinnacle events within the sport, it is vital that World Sailing and the Defender and Challenger of Record work collaboratively to ensure a fair competition on the water.”