America’s Cup field taking shape

The 35th America’s Cup is three years away, but five challengers have already launched campaigns to wrest sailing’s biggest trophy from the defending champion, Oracle Team USA.

The contenders include Team France, Artemis Racing of Sweden, Luna Rossa Challenge from Italy and last summer’s runner-up, Emirates Team New Zealand.

“We have no illusions about the job ahead,” said Dean Barker of Emirates. “We have been working quietly behind the scenes toward this day almost since the last day of the 34th America’s Cup.”

Oracle won that title with a historic comeback, defeating the New Zealand boat in do-or-die finale on San Francisco Bay.

“We love challenges — the bigger, the better,” Oracle skipper Jimmy Spithill said. “It’s very easy to get motivated when you see what we’re going to be facing.”

The teams will compete through 2016 in the America’s Cup World Series at venues around the world. The America’s Cup follows in 2017. The final will be held in either Bermuda or San Diego.