Road to America’s Cup begins in Sardinia

It’s 2026, and the 38th America’s Cup is in 2027, and the racing calendar has been fuzzy. The Protocol states how three initial Preliminary Regattas are in 2026 and one possibly in early 2027, plus a final Preliminary Regatta to be held at the Match Venue, immediately prior to the Challenger Selection Series.

As for boats, the AC40 is to be used in the 2026 Preliminary Regattas, with each team allowed to enter two boats, but the second would need to be crewed by sailors eligible to sail in the AC Youth and Women’s Regattas (two of each). As for 2027, either AC40s or AC75s will be used in the Preliminary Regatta in early 2027 and AC75 Yachts during the Final Preliminary Regatta.

It has been revealed that the first Preliminary Regatta will be May 21-24 in Cagliari, Sardinia. Five teams are currently entered, with the format to have fleet racing with up to ten races planned over the four days and then the top two will fight it out for glory in a one match, winner-takes-all final.

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. 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.

Current entrants:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
• Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
• Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
• K-Challenge (FRA) – Challenger

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy. Challenger racing begins in the spring before the 38th Match on July 10-18, 2027.