America’s Cup: Making strides to show

Seven challengers will seek to snatch the America’s Cup from the New Zealand team which has held on for three consecutive defenses. Here are updates from two of the efforts:

• In the previous America’s Cup, the French team were the last to launch at the venue. But for the 38th America’s Cup next year, La Roche-Posay Racing Team, representing the Société Nautique de Saint Tropez, became the first team to launch an AC75 and sail on the Bay of Naples. The team is expecting to train throughout the Mediterranean winter as they prepare for the challenger selection series – Louis Vuitton Cup – that starts on May 22, 2027. – Full report

• Team Australia, the last to enter the 38th edition, is in the shed with the AC75 ‘Te Rehutai’ – the 2021 winning boat of Emirates Team New Zealand that the team acquired. Necessary composite work to meet the “constructed in country” rules is complete, and now the hull is being load tested before being fitted with all the electronic and hydraulic systems. The plan is to be done by Christmas time so it can go on the ship to arrive in Naples by February 2027. – Full report

Defender New Zealand and Challenger of Record from Great Britain confirmed the Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup on August 12, 2025. The close of the initial entry period was October 31, 2025, with late entries considered up to March 31, 2026.

The AC75 has a helm and trimmer on each side of the boat along with a fifth crew position and a sixth passenger position.

38th America’s Cup: https://www.americascup.com/

38th America’s Cup entrants:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
• Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
• Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
• La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA) – Challenger
• American Racing Challenger Team USA (USA) – Challenger
• Team Australia (AUS) – Challenger

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy. Challenger racing is May 22 to July 4 before the 38th Match on July 10-19. Full details.

Preliminary Regattas:*
May 22-24, 2026 – Cagliari, Italy
September 24-27 – Naples, Italy

* The Protocol noted how there would be as many Preliminary Regattas as possible, with the intent to have three during 2026 and one possibly in early 2027, and a final event at the Match Venue immediately prior to the challenger series. Only two have been thus far revealed.

Source: AC media