Hoping influencers help America’s Cup

During the heyday of IOR racing, economics often meant if you could afford the boat, you might not be able to steer the boat. Spending time in the boardroom doesn’t make you a better sailor, and if you wanted to win, ownership often meant taking a back seat to the emerging pro sailors.

As the sport matured, certain classes inserted an owner-driver rule, but for the America’s Cup, an owner-rider was more the norm. That was until May 9, 2013, when Andrew Simpson died during a training accident on the AC72 Artemis Racing.

The role of guest rider was now for celebrities and sponsors, but the risk was too great. Fearing the cancellation of the America’s Cup, crew training and safety equipment was accelerated, and cameras replaced the onboard experience.

But when the Class Rules and Technical Regulations for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027 were published, one of the notable developments was the requirement of a ‘Guest Racer Cockpit.’ The AC72 was not a safe boat, but foiling design and control for the current AC75 boat has led to what will now be an opportunity for influencers to broaden the event’s appeal. – Full report

Details: https://www.americascup.com/

Defender New Zealand and Challenger of Record from Great Britain confirmed the Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup on August 12, 2025. No additional challenge entries have yet been revealed, while American Magic will not compete.

The close of the initial entry period was October 31, 2025, with late entries considered up to January 31, 2026. If no USA team participates in the 38th America’s Cup, it will be the first time in the event’s 175-year history.

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy . Racing will be in the spring and summer of 2027.