In the run up to the final deadline, ten teams were certain to take part in the 32nd America’s Cup, an impressive fleet in itself and a clear confirmation that, despite being the most expensive event in yacht racing by a considerable margin, the America’s Cup in Europe is going to be a big. But by the deadline today, (1600 Spanish time, GMT 2hr Friday 29 April), a further two teams had handed over the correct documentation and bonds taking the total to 11 challengers and 1 defender, a total of 12 teams in all.

The teams for the 32nd America’s Cup are;

DEFENDER

Alinghi (SUI)

CHALLENGERS

BMW Oracle Racing (USA)

China Team (CHI)

Desafio Espanol (ESP)

Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)

United Internet Team (GER) (Formerly known as Fresh 17)

K-Challenge (FRA)

Mascalzone Latino Team Capitalia (ITA)

Luna Rossa Challenge (ITA)

Team Shosholoza (RSA)

Victory Challenge (SWE)

Plus 39 (ITA)

Within the twelve, three countries have never competed in the America’s Cup before namely, South Africa, Germany and China, the latter two holding out until the eleventh hour to make their official entry.

While ten of the teams had confirmed for some time, the drama went all the way to the wire for the organisers ACM. With just two days to go, there was a possibility of a further 5 teams still holding out a chance to compete as they attempted to to pull together the necessary details, not least of all the 60million Euro bond required to secure their participation in the event. As it turned out the two big announcements of the day were the German Fresh 17 team and the China team, a team working with the former French team, Le Defi.

“With 11 challengers representing nine countries, this is not just one of the biggest, but it is by far the most diverse America’s Cup in history. We have three countries participating for the first time – South Africa, Germany and China, and five continents are represented, reinforcing the global appeal of the America’s Cup,” said an excited Michel Bonnefous, the CEO of the event organiser. “This is exactly what we wanted for the first America’s Cup in Europe. It is very gratifying to see the hard work that the teams and organisers have put in come to fruition.”

The total number of challengers falls just 2 short of the all time record which was achieved in Australia in 1987 when 13 challengers from six countries took part.