Grant Dalton confirms grinders will be back for 2021 America's Cup

  • 19/09/2017
Grant Dalton with the America's Cup.
Grant Dalton with the America's Cup. Photo credit: Photosport

Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton has confirmed bikes will play no part in the next America's Cup, saying grinders will be back.

Team NZ are expected to announce their plans for the next America's Cup by the end of the month, but in an interview with Italian publication La Stampa, Dalton said cyclists on boats will be a thing of the past.

"The grinders will return," said Dalton.

However we will have to wait until November to know the final design rules of the monnohulls used.

One thing which the 60-year-old confirmed there will be rules about eligibility with regards to how many of the sailors must hold a passport for the team they are sailing for.

"No, only the sailors," said Dalton. "There will be percentage that must carry a passport from the challenging country."

Dalton also explained why they decided to return to monohulls.

"Let me start by saying that we believe our design team is capable of giving us another great yacht, and that catamarans wouldn't be ideal for the chop in Auckland.

"We had thought about it with Bertelli two years ago. In June, after the victory, we consulted some potential challenger and we have confirmed that we are on the right track.

"But I want it to be clear that winning the America's Cup is a privilege, a privilege that includes the duty to safeguard it's sporting value. That comes before individual advantage."

 Newshub.