America's Cup- Emirates Team NZ surprised at Regatta Director comments

by Emirates Team NZ on 4 Jul 2013
Under rules of procedure for the America’s Cup jury, no party is permitted to comment on matters before the International Jury.

Emirates Team New Zealand is surprised by comments made by the Regatta Director, particularly since, apart from his proposed unilateral changes to the AC72 class rule, all of his Recommendations have been implemented by the competitors agreeing to changes in the racing rule and Protocol.

In addition, the competitors and the Regatta Director have agreed to remove minimum weight and centre of gravity rules for the wing which would have required competitors to carry 'corrector' lead weights high up in the wing, a safety consideration that had been overlooked.

We can confirm that Emirates Team New Zealand is fully compliant with the AC72 class rule.

In fact the team complies with all 37 safety recommendations made by the Regatta Director without requiring changes to the class rule as it now stands. The team believes that any AC72 that does not comply under the existing rule should be modified so that it does.

Emirates Team New Zealand has faith in the Jury process and do not wish to prejudice this by further comment.