Emirates Team New Zealand suggest changes could be incorporated in the US Coast Guard certification. Photo / AP
America's Cup organisers are treading water while they await a criticial decision from Artemis over whether they intend to compete in this year's event.
There have been no significant developments from a series of meetings in San Francisco this week, with organisers unable to finalise the race format until they
have confirmation from Artemis that they will take part.
It has been nearly a month since the Swedish team wrote off their boat in a devastating training accident, which claimed the life of British sailor Andrew Simpson. With the Louis Vuitton challenger series due to get under way on July 7, the runway for the team to get their new boat on the water and get comfortable sailing it is fast running out, and that is before you even take into account the significant psychological hurdles facing the team after losing their respected colleague.
The syndicate has not issued any statements in regards to their participation since May 22, when chief executive Paul Cayard said Artemis would "only race if our sailing team believes they are safe racing AC72s".
But in a promising sign for the beleaguered regatta, Artemis returned to the water this week for the first time since the tragic accident.
