International Jury maintain the sanctity of the AC72 Class Rule

International Jury decision released – America's Cup racing can continue with voluntary compliance to Safety Rules

The America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA) announced today that racing can proceed as scheduled if the teams adhere to the AC72 Class Rule as well as to the 37 safety rules established following the Artemis Racing capsize that resulted in the tragic death of Andrew 'Bart' Simpson in May.

A decision today by the International Jury upheld protests by Emirates Team New Zealand and Italy's Luna Rossa Challenge that the Regatta Director alone could not change some of the regatta rules, even if he was acting in the best interests of all the sailors.

"This means racing can continue if the teams abide by the existing Class Rule and the Safety Rules," said ACEA chief executive, Stephen Barclay. "If the teams take this step, it will ensure the safety plan remains intact and the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Event Permit is unaffected."

Regatta Director Iain Murray said, "I am immediately reaching out to the Coast Guard and the teams.

"Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa are complying with both the AC72 Class Rule and the Safety Rules. Artemis Racing, who is still preparing its AC72, has previously advised that they can not immediately comply with both. Exactly how this decision impacts Artemis Racing is something we need to look at through our discussion with the teams."

"My focus remains squarely on the safety of all the competitors in all of the teams," said Murray.

Both the America's Cup Event Authority, organizers of the land-based aspects of the competition, and America's Cup Race Management, responsible for the on-water sporting competition, said they respect International Jury's findings.

"I thank everyone for their patience and understanding in this matter. I especially want to thank our fans, sponsors and the city of San Francisco who continue to be supportive of the 34th America's Cup," concluded Barclay.

Statement from Grant Dalton, Emirates Team New Zealand

Emirates Team New Zealand is pleased the jury has maintained the sanctity of the AC72 Class Rule in ruling that it can be changed only by unanimous consent of the competitors and the Regatta Director.

Emirates Team New Zealand has completed two races in San Francisco with all 37 safety recommendations made by the Regatta Director on May 22.

We believe the jury's decision does not affect the substance of the safety plan submitted with the application to the US Coast Guard for a Marine Event Permit or the excellent work \the Regatta Director undertook with the Review Committee. Most of the 37 safety recommendations have become rules by amendments to the Protocol and the Racing Rules of sailing.

Emirates Team New Zealand will fully support the Regatta Director in his efforts to run a safe regatta and to this end would welcome the opportunity to meet with the US Coast Guard and the Regatta Director to clarify any adjustments which may need to be made to the safety plan.

Emirates Team New Zealand has been fully compliant with all 37 safety recommendations in its two races to date in San Francisco. Luna Rossa will be compliant when it races today and Oracle has said that it will be ready to race on September 7 no matter what the rules are.

Artemis Racing is the only team to have said it cannot comply with both the Class Rule and the safety recommendations.

We have proposed that when Artemis is ready to race they be given dispensation from the Class Rule regarding rudder elevators so long as they otherwise comply with the Class Rule and the safety recommendation. This would require the consent of the other competitors and we would strongly urge this be given.

Artemis Racing is making a tremendous effort under difficult circumstances to get back on the race track and deserve support to help them achieve this.

To summarise:

• The jury's decision leaves the sanctity of the class rule intact.
• Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa are fully compliant with the Class Rule and the 37 safety recommendations and Oracle Team USA says they will be compliant on September 7 whatever the rules may be.
• We are proposing a dispensation from the Class Rule to allow Artemis Racing to compete.

Response to the Jury Decision from Artemis Racing

Artemis Racing is disappointed that the Jury's decision leaves uncertainty. Artemis Racing is here to compete and remains confident that a solution will be found allowing for a safe regatta that all can compete in.

Our team is working hard and we are currently in the midst of completing the structural testing of our boat. This should be completed by weeks end. Final assembly of the boat will take place next week with the goal of getting on the water in ten days time. Artemis Racing has been working intensively for two months and we are eagerly looking forward to racing.

Statement from ORACLE TEAM USA on Jury Decision

"We respect the decision of the America's Cup Jury," said Grant Simmer, ORACLE TEAM USA General Manager. "We continue to support the Regatta Director and we believe all teams have benefited from his review. We don't have an issue complying with the Class Rule, and we will be ready to race under the rules affirmed by the Jury."

The full International Jury decision can be found here.