Crews combining for the 2027 America's Cup competition

Crews combining for the 2027 America's Cup competition

The 2027 America's Cup is set for an exciting transformation, with a series of significant changes announced to make the competition more sustainable, inclusive, and commercially stable.

The venue for the 38th America's Cup will be Naples, Italy, in summer 2027, marking a change from previous Cups and aiming to expand global interest. A key aspect of this change is the America's Cup Partnership (ACP), a new governance model that will give equal governance and decision-making power to all participating teams. This partnership will manage race formats, commercial rights, media, and commercial development collectively.

To control costs and ensure financial sustainability, a team cost cap of €75 million has been set for the 2027 event. Refinements to the cost cap are expected for the following Cup in 2030. Existing teams must use the same AC75 hulls that competed in 2024, but with increased functionality powered by battery systems, reflecting advances in technology and sustainability.

Inclusivity is a key focus, with an established quota for female sailors and relaxed nationality rules to encourage broader participation. The crew size for the 38th America's Cup boats remains five, including one woman.

The elimination of a previously proposed 'non-compete' clause allows sailors to compete on different teams in future events, promoting more athlete mobility. Notably, Peter Burling, a three-time America's Cup winner, will join Italian outfit Luna Rossa for the 38th edition.

The new protocol aims to make the America's Cup more inclusive, compelling, and financially sustainable. Team New Zealand and Athena Racing have signed off on the new protocol. However, Team New Zealand could not secure government backing to host the 38th America's Cup regatta, leading to Italy stepping in as the host.

Ben Ainslie, CEO and Team Principal of Athena Racing, described the new protocol as a "seismic moment" for the competition. The America's Cup boats will race with a crew of five, including one woman, and at least three crew members must still be from the country the boat represents.

These changes reflect a modernization blueprint to sustain the America's Cup as a premier global sailing event. The home advantage for Italy gives the hosts a chance to win one of the oldest competitions in international sport, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming event.

International sailors can look forward to competing in the 2027 America's Cup, held in Naples, Italy, as the event aims to boost global interest in the competition. The sports component is further enhanced with the focus on inclusivity, manifested through increased gender representation and relaxed nationality rules.

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