The entry deadline for the next America's Cup in '17 came and went "but news was sparse about what was nevertheless described as 'a
strong line-up of teams' wanting to contest" the event, according to Stuart Alexander of the London INDEPENDENT. Five teams had reportedly "indicated their intentions to the San Francisco defender by midnight local time on Friday." The three short paragraphs statement -- one of which was to say there "will be a press conference in London in a month's time" -- went on to say: "America's Cup organisers are now working through the second stage of the entry process with each of these teams. This is expected to finish by August 20th." There is "no doubt surrounding Britain's Ben Ainslie-led team to represent the Royal Yacht Squadron." Sweden's Artemis team "took over as the lead challenger in San Francisco last time." Emirates Team New Zealand, a former cup holder and the "ultimate challenger last time, has made public its intention to be back." The Prada-backed Italians were "also there last time and have been in the game for years." The French are a "known quantity and well versed in challenging for a trophy" which goes back to 1851. The thought that any of them "would be rejected is ludicrous, further delay does none of them nor the event any favours" (INDEPENDENT, 8/9).
