AAS: What is your opinion about Barcelona as a venue for the America’s Cup?
TH: Barcelona is an incredible venue. We raced here in the TP52 Super Series and I have sailed here over the past 25 years and Barcelona always delivers great racing. In the time that I have been here since I have relocated, I have really appreciated the true authenticity of the city and the cultural life inside Barcelona and the community. Here it is very complementary to the race course. And so when you are out racing and able to come ashore and live inside the spectacular city, it is truly awesome.
AAS: What is the race course for the America’s Cup going to be like?
TH: The race course is going to be tricky. The Mediterranean breeze in September and October is softer. It is driven by more weather systems than a traditional sea breeze that we have in July and August. And so the race course is going to present a lot of challenges to the sailors. And on top of that, you have to contend with a little bit of swell and sea state on top of that swell. I think all the teams are going to have their hands full getting the design right.
AAS: The USA has, by a long way, won the America’s Cup more than any other nation. Do you feel the pressure in Barcelona?
TH: The New York Yacht Club held the America’s Cup for 132 years and we have been in a 40-year drought since 1983. I do not think we feel any real pressure to do anything outside of just doing our jobs and what we are capable of doing. From a team perspective, our focus is very much on making sure that we have a fast, reliable boat that is well sailed.
AAS: What will be the key to success?
TH: The key to success in AC37 – a fast boat. A fast boat that is well sailed and a very reliable piece of equipment. Because the wind speeds and the wind limit are somewhat lighter, all the teams will hedge with a lighter construction and a boat that structurally will always be somewhat on the edge because a fast boat is what wins.
KEY 2024 AMERICA’S CUP DATES:
22 August: America’s Cup opening ceremony
August: Preliminary Regatta Barcelona (with AC75s)
29 August – 7 October: Challenger Selection Series
26 September – 16 October: Youth & Puig Women’s America’s Cup events (with AC40s)
12 – 20 October: America’s Cup Match
