America's Cup, challengers against defender New Zealand: 'Lack of transparency in decisions'

Amidst the hubbub of social media, a "statement" appears from Athena racing, the company headed by Sir Ben Ainslie that is in charge of building the challenge from the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, which takes it out on the Defender Emirates Team New Zealand for "lack of transparency" in the decisions concerning the future of the America's Cup. A few minutes later came one also from American Magic, the American team that is part of the historic New York Yacht Club whose backers are members. Meanwhile a first consideration: they are the two historical clubs for the life of the America's Cup, the American one also has a supervisory role on the life of the Cup since it was donated through the Deed of Gift by the first winners. In addition, the US Supreme Court has to be involved for legal disputes related to the Cup and the interpretation of the original document. This has already happened in past years.

In short, not so suddenly, the level of the quarrel between the stout defender and the challengers is raised. That there were embers under the ashes was well known: American Magic and Alinghi with its founder Ernesto Bertarelli, had been in talks with Grant Dalton for some time about a revision of the organisation of the next edition, with a relaxation of the nationality rules to allow a greater circulation of talent, and a sharing of the benefits that accrue to the organisers. Something similar had happened in Valencia. Alinghi Red Bull had already defected in recent weeks by announcing that it would not present the challenge. The accusation for Dalton is lack of transparency and not allowing the Challengers to participate in the decision-making process. In the background is the desire to create a stable circuit, which, however, would not be in the spirit of the event.

And Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli? Traditionally it does not take an explicit position, just as it had no role in the choice of Naples. On the other hand, the choice of Napoli 'finances' the New Zealand team and allows it to mount a strong defence, or one that is stronger than it could have mounted if 'left alone'. Italy has also been chosen because at a time when the event needs to grow ours is certainly a bigger audience than Spain's, and this translates into satisfaction for the sponsors. One more unknown factor is that of the main sponsor Louis Vuitton: it is almost certain that it has set as a condition for its participation a minimum number of challengers, perhaps four, after all a brand that owes its fortune to the selection of challengers, cannot do without challengers.

What can happen now? The table must be reopened to build a Protocol that serves the future of the event, that ensures stability and that does not make the world think 'the usual fights'. Some say it will come down to a two-man challenge, with Emirates Team New Zealand defending itself against the assaults of Luna rossa Prada Pirelli. But with a pinch of irony it can be said that after the positional war, the artillery fire will end in tar and wine: many need the America's Cup, because many experts would struggle to find a job in a normal world.