While uncertainty surrounds the planning for the 33rd America’s Cup due to the lawsuit between the defender Alinghi team and the BMW Oracle Racing Team/Golden Gate YC, two new challengers were announced on the 20th of November, joining the five challenging teams already accepted: Desafío Español (ESP), Team Shosholoza (RSA), TEAMORIGIN (GBR), Team New Zealand (NZL), and United Internet Team Germany (GER).
The new Spanish syndicate AYRE Challenge has been accepted as a challenger for the 33rd America’s Cup. AYRE represents the Real Club Náutico de Dénia (Royal Yacht Club of Denia) and thus becomes the seventh official challenger for the next event The Real Club Náutico de Dénia is the biggest yacht club in the province of Alicante and one of the most active throughout Spain. This year marks the 40th anniversary since the club’s foundation.
Mascalzone Latino, the team led by President Vincenzo Onorato that finished sixth in the 32nd America’s Cup this year, has launched with Reale Yacht Club Canottieri Savoia its challenge to the 33rd America's Cup. What makes this entry interesting is that Onorato has been one of the most vocal opponents of Alinghi’s Protocol for the 33rd event, and one of the close allies of the BMW Oracle Racing team in their efforts to revise the rules.