French team K-Challenge Racing have been confirmed as challengers for the 37th America's Cup at Barcelona in 2024.
"Their challenge was previously accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and they have now chosen to formally announce their entry and confirm they are ready to proceed with their campaign," organisers said.
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron retained the 'Auld Mug' at Auckland in 2021, when they beat Italian challenger Luna Rossa.
Societe nautique de Saint-Tropez and their representative team are led by K-Challenge Racing chief executive Stephane Kandler and Bruno Dubois. K-Challenge last challenged for the Cup at Valencia in 2007.
"Bruno and I are very excited to join the other challengers," Kandler said. "We have been working behind the scenes for almost a year now and we are going to announce great things by the end of this month."
Other challengers include Luna Rossa, Switzerland's Alinghi, American Magic and INEOS Britannia.
They will race in the challenger selection series - the Prada Cup - in September 2024, with the winners earning the right to challenge the defenders for the America's Cup.
The 37th America's Cup - a best-of-13-races event - will be held along Barcelona's beachfront and begins on October 12, 2024.
Reuters
