US Sailing to manage development of AC72 rule

American authority to be the 'neutral party'

US Sailing, in partnership with Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering, has been appointed the neutral party responsible for managing the development of the rule for the AC72 solid wingsail catamaran to be used for the 34th America's Cup.

To ensure that no team would have an unfair advantage by creating the rule, US Sailing was approached by the BMW Oracle Racing Team to provide oversight of the rule drafting process. Pete Melvin, a two-time A Class catamaran world champion, has independently drafted a rule for the race. The final AC72 rule, including details on measurement instructions, materials used, wing definitions, scantlings, and other requirements, will be specified by September 30, 2010.

“In the upcoming weeks, the team at Morrelli and Melvin will be polishing the rule and coming up with details,” said offshore director of US Sailing, Dan Nowlan. “US Sailing is really proud to be part of this effort and supporting them, and the 34th America’s Cup. It’s going to be interesting, so stay tuned.”