9 Feb 2021

America's Cup umpiring a challenge with increased boat speeds

From First Up, 5:13 am on 9 February 2021

The speed of the boats in the America's Cup Challenger Selection Series is creating challenges for the umpiring team. The AC75s can reach speeds of 50 knots, equivalent to just under 100 kilometres per hour, on Auckland's Waitemata Harbour - and the umpire boats can't always keep up. To make sure they're making the right calls, the umpires aren't just officiating on the water but for the first time also watching the action back on land via a live feed in an umpire booth. Chief umpire Richard Slater is on land on race days and he spoke with America's Cup reporter Felicity Reid about what's changed since the last time the Auld Mug was on the line.