37th America's Cup: Second Preliminary Regatta Kicks off in Jeddah

The second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup, presented by NEOM, commenced on Wednesday on the Red Sea in Jeddah, SPA said on Thursday.
The second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup, presented by NEOM, commenced on Wednesday on the Red Sea in Jeddah, SPA said on Thursday.
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37th America's Cup: Second Preliminary Regatta Kicks off in Jeddah

The second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup, presented by NEOM, commenced on Wednesday on the Red Sea in Jeddah, SPA said on Thursday.
The second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup, presented by NEOM, commenced on Wednesday on the Red Sea in Jeddah, SPA said on Thursday.

The second preliminary regatta of the 37th America’s Cup, presented by NEOM, commenced on the Red Sea in Jeddah, SPA said on Thursday.
Six teams are competing in the regatta, which is powered by the Saudi Sailing Federation in cooperation with the Ministry of Sport.
Tom Slingsby, Helmsman for the NYYC American Magic team and the male recipient of the 2023 Rolex World Sailor of the Year award, highlighted the significance of the preliminary regatta in further bolstering the sailors’ confidence in their skills and abilities.
The regatta provides the sailors with a clear roadmap to secure victory in the 37th America's Cup in Barcelona, Slingsby said. By identifying weaknesses and learning from past mistakes in Vilanova i la Geltrْ, Spain, and Jeddah, they can enhance their overall performance, he added.
Kevin Peponnet from the French Orient Express Racing Team eagerly anticipates the races on Thursday, particularly due to the ideal sailing conditions in Jeddah during this time of the year.
He commended the well-coordinated organization and the warm reception extended by the Saudi Sailing Federation and the Ministry of Sport.
The official races of the regatta will take place from Thursday to Saturday, and the team with the highest number of points will be awarded the NEOM Cup.



Former Argentina Coach Sampaoli Takes Over at French Club Rennes

FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )
FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )
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Former Argentina Coach Sampaoli Takes Over at French Club Rennes

FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )
FILE - Coach Jorge Sampaoli of Brazil's Flamengo reacts during a Copa Libertadores round of 16 second leg soccer match against Paraguay's Olimpia at Defensores del Chaco stadium in Asuncion, Paraguay, Aug.10, 2023. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz, File )

Former Argentina coach Jorge Sampaoli is taking over at French league side Rennes.
The 64-year-old is returning to French soccer following a previous stint with Marseille.
Rennes said late Monday that Sampaoli signed a 1 1/2-year contract, The Associated Press reported.
Sampaoli, who was in charge of Argentina at the 2018 World Cup, replaces Julien Stephan, who was dismissed last week.
Rennes is looking for a jolt after a mediocre spell that saw the team slump to 13th place in the standings, 18 points behind leader Paris Saint-Germain after 11 matches.
“He is a coach who is recognized internationally for his professionalism and humanism,” said Arnaud Pouille, the executive chairman and managing director at Rennes. “He has a strong attachment to his players and staff, and is a loyal and committed man. We need his energy to get the club moving again and to face the competition with determination.”
The much-traveled Sampaoli has also coached clubs in Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Spain and Brazil.
Sampaoli abruptly left Marseille in July 2022 after leading the team back to the Champions League, over a disagreement related to the club's transfers of players.