America’s Cup: From there to here

There have been turning points in the America’s Cup, and the 34th edition stands out. The shift from the IACC monohull to the AC72 catamaran was massive, as was the launch of the America’s Cup World Series in 2011.

The AC45 was conceived for the circuit which provided an entry point for the 2013 Cup, with teams eager for exposure to attract necessary funding. There were up to nine foreign teams that participated, but only three – Italy, New Zealand, Sweden – made it to the 2013 event in San Francisco.

This type of circuit continues today for the America’s Cup, providing exposure in between Matches, but now it is a requirement of entry that if you want to compete for the Cup, you must participate in all events.

A 2011 story by Kimball Livingston in SAIL Magazine was in our search feed and brought back memories… click here.

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.