The America’s Cup is set to become a bi-annual event under a new protocol.
The international sailing competion will also prioritise building pathways for women and youth, establish equal authority between participating teams and introduce a cost-cap.
The changes are being introduced as part of a new protocol for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup agreed by The Defender of the America’s Cup, The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, represented by Team New Zealand, and the Challenger of Record, The Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, represented by Athena Racing.
Alongside changing the event from approximately every four years, the new protocol introduces a new America’s Cup Partnership (ACP), that establishes equal authority between all participating teams, aimed at growing the sport on a global scale.
This is a seismic moment for the America’s Cup.
Ben Ainslie
ACP will be responsible for organising and managing the event’s on and off-water format and will oversee the development, protection and commercialisation of media and commercial rights.
“This is a seismic moment for the America’s Cup. The Partnership Agreement fundamentally reshapes the governance and organisation of the event,” said Athena Racing CEO and team principal Sir Ben Ainslie.
“The teams and yacht clubs share a vision to make the America’s Cup more inclusive, compelling, and financially sustainable. This new model marks a unified commitment to that vision. I am excited for the future of the sport.”
Five sailors
The next America’s Cup will maintain the women’s and youth America’s Cup events, with the addition of including at least one female crew member onboard the AC75.
The crew of the AC75s will consist of five sailors, with more boat functions powered by batteries and electronics.
The racing format will also be revised to keep all teams racing for longer.
Preliminary regattas will be staged in 2026 and 2027 to be raced in the AC40s and there will be a cost cap of €75m for the teams.
All existing teams will use the same AC75 hulls that were raced in the 37th America’s Cup if available.
Its Achilles’ heel has always been its lack of continuity.
Grant Dalton
New teams will only be permitted to acquire an existing AC75 or build a new hull to the design of an AC37 hull and all hulls must satisfy the specific Constructed in Country requirements as outlined in the Protocol in accordance with the Deed of Gift.
“Although the America’s Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport and the pinnacle of sailing, its Achilles’ heel has always been its lack of continuity,” said Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton.
“This transformation now gives all teams collective stewardship, and we are introducing a new executive management team to be headed up by a new independent CEO.
“By negotiating this Protocol and the America’s Cup Partnership with the Challenger of Record, it provides certainty for teams, commercial partners, and event venues to invest for multiple editions.”
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will take place in Naples, Italy, in 2027.
