Team Australia, Challenger of Record, Withdraws from 2017 America's Cup
Hamilton Island Yacht Club Pulls Out of Upcoming Event

Hamilton Island, July 19, 2014

Hamilton Island Yacht Club today announced its withdrawal from the 35th America's Cup.

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club became the Challenger of Record for the 35th America’s Cup upon the completion of the 34th America’s Cup in San Francisco in 2013.

In commenting on the decision not to proceed with the challenge, Sandy Oatley said “When we entered the Cup we had the intention of trying to change the Cup in many ways.  Our position as Challenger of Record gave us the opportunity through the drafting of the protocol to affect this change.  Central to these changes, was the desire to make the participation in the Cup more affordable and more sustainable.”

Bob Oatley said “The Challenge was initiated with a view to negotiating a format for the 35th  America’s Cup that was affordable and put the emphasis back on sailing skills.  Ultimately our estimate of the costs of competing were well beyond our initial expectation and our ability to make the formula of our investment and other commercial support add up.  We are bitterly disappointed that this emerging team of fine young Australian sailors will not be able to compete at the next America’s Cup under our banner”.

 --- From Hamilton Island YC
 

Additional Links and Info:

Read Golden Gate YC/ACEA's Statement on HIYC's withdrawal