- Win the AC World Series in non-foiling AC45s to carry two points into the round robin AC Qualifiers. You will need to decide to race one or two AC45’s – if you race two, their results are averaged. Even if you don’t win, fight for every race – if you tie someone in the AC Qualifiers, your ACWS results will break the tie.
- Launch your AC62 as early as allowed: 150 days before the start of the AC Qualifiers. This probably means September 2016.
- Decide where to launch your AC62. You only have five months for training and development. Maybe you want to assemble it at the venue of the AC Qualifiers and then to launch it there. That way you don’t lose time shipping it.
- Win the round robin AC Qualifiers! This will give you one point going into the AC Match. Remember – your result from the ACWS will be used as a tie breaker.
- Ship your boat to the AC Match venue. Try not to get too frustrated while your boat is in transit and the defender is sailing their second boat at the venue.
- Move your team to the venue. You have about two months to prepare your AC62 for the conditions at the venue before the start of the AC Challenger Playoffs.
- In the “playoffs,” win five races to win the semi-finals.
- Win five races to win the finals and become the Challenger in the AC Match.
- Did you get the bonus point in the AC Qualifiers? Then win six races to take the America’s Cup! If you don’t have the bonus point, win seven races!
Sailing With Devious, 2014 