America's Cup - Strong winds forecast for Race Day 1 of Qualifiers

by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World NZ on 24 May 2017 Racing looks unlikely for the first scheduled day of racing in the 35th America's Cup.

According to the latest update from Predictwind winds are expected to be gusting to 30kts - well above the allowed limit of 24kts - or less if the Regatta Director has concerns for the safety of the AC50 which are the America's Cup Class for the 35th Match.

The cause of the high winds appears to be a low and an associated front passing NE up the coastline before existing around New York and heading out into the Atlantic.

Not all the feeds are in agreement as to the strength - but all are showing gusts in excess of 30kts at race time.

The path of the front could alter over the next 48 hours and winds could ease as a result. Light to moderate conditions are forecast for the next four days, and there seems to be no reason at this stage as to why the racing would not proceed.

While local fans may be a little disappointed to lose the first race day, they will be thankful for the rain which is forecast with the passing of the front. Bermuda is entirely dependent for rain water catchment for its water supply.

The likihood of a postponement was confirmed at 4.00pm local time in Bermuda .

A statement issued by America's Cup Events Authority advised that 'the current forecast for Friday 26th May is showing wind levels gusting above 30 knots in the afternoon. Whilst the wind may drop within the raceable limits of 6-24 knots later in the evening, the safety of both the sailors and spectators is always paramount, and a decision whether to open the America’s Cup Village or not will be taken accordingly.

'On Friday 26th May, racing is scheduled to begin at 5.00pm and the Opening Ceremony is due to take place from 8.30pm. A final decision about the opening of the America’s Cup Village may be made as late as 9.00pm Thursday 25th May, after a more updated forecast is assessed. If racing is cancelled on Friday 26th May, the America’s Cup Village will also be closed. Racing would then be rescheduled for Saturday afternoon and the Opening Ceremony would also be delayed.'

'America’s Cup Event Authority CEO Russell Coutts said, “With a sellout crowd for Friday, and huge anticipation for what we are confident will be one of the most competitive America’s Cups ever, rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that the opening day goes ahead. However, if the prudent decision is to postpone the start of the event, then racing will be rescheduled to Saturday, where the weather forecast indicates great racing conditions.”

Racing is scheduled to get underway at 5.00pm local time and run to 7.00pm local time. On all other days racing gets underway at 2.00pm.

A copy of the race schedule and pairings can be seen by clicking here