Espionage at Sea: The Introduction of the Recon Program in the 37th America’s Cup
For the first time in its 172-year history, the America’s Cup has introduced a sanctioned form of espionage, known as the Recon Program, in its 37th edition. This new initiative departs significantly from the tradition of intense secrecy that has characterized previous races.
Introduction of the Recon Program
The Recon Program is designed to provide transparency and equal opportunity for all competing teams by allowing assigned spies to document and share developments and design solutions of the competing vessels. This information is then made accessible not only to all participating teams but also to selected media outlets. This represents a significant shift from previous competitions where the utmost secrecy was maintained in hangars and any unauthorized photographs of the vessels were highly prized exclusives.
Historical Context and the Role of Espionage
Historically, espionage has been a thrilling aspect of the America’s Cup, with teams going to great lengths to uncover each other’s secrets as a way to gain a competitive edge. John Bertrand, who led the Australian victory in 1983, describes in his book Born to Win a dramatic incident where a diver was caught filming their yacht’s keel, highlighting the lengths teams would go to gather intelligence.
Technological Warfare
Over the years, teams have invested heavily in advanced technologies to capture critical data on their competitors’ boat speeds, sail designs, appendages, and control systems. Tools such as drones, trackers, and mini-submarines have been employed to obtain crucial photographs and data that could be the difference between victory and defeat.
Change in Approach for the 37th Edition
The decision to legalize and regulate espionage in the America’s Cup was led by the defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. They advocated for the inclusion of the Recon Plan in the competition’s protocol to allow all teams access to comprehensive information about the developments of each participant. This change aims to level the playing field and enhance the strategic component of the competition.
The Rules of Legal Reconnaissance
Despite its legalization, the espionage activities are governed by strict rules to ensure fairness. For instance:
- Recon teams must follow specific protocols regarding where they can photograph from, with clearly marked positions, distances, and angles.
- Recon operatives are required to wear distinctive jackets marked “RECON” for easy identification.
- Teams must inform the recon personnel before their boats leave the hangar and allow them to document the vessels during sailing sessions.
- After training sessions, recon teams are permitted approximately three minutes of interview time with designated crew members.
Impact on the Sport
This regulated approach to espionage, with its wide-ranging reconnaissance, provides all teams and spectators with access to photographs, videos, and analyses through the official America’s Cup website. This openness is intended to enhance the competitiveness and fairness of the event, making it not only a test of sailing prowess but also of strategic preparation and technological innovation.
