Same hull, New configuration for 2027

There were 11 crew when the AC75 was first introduced for the 36th America’s Cup, with the crew reduced to eight for the next edition and now five sailors for the racing in 2027. With the hulls being reused from 2024, modifications are needed to adapt to the new crew limit.

The first look has come as Team New Zealand has relaunched their AC75 Taihoro at the Wynyard Point base in Auckland. While it is the same vessel that won in Barcelona, it has undergone a significant refit to meet the new rules with three specific modification categories:

• Cockpit Reconfiguration: Extensive work to transition the deck layout for the new crew requirements.
• Structural Rebuilds: The team was permitted to rebuild up to 4sqm of the hull using the same shape but different materials, allowing for localized strengthening or weight optimization.
• Functional Rebates: Modifications were made to add rebates to maximize aerodynamic efficiency.

“The hulls have always been one of the most noticeable features on an America’s Cup yacht, but because the hulls spend so much time out of the water, there is actually not that much difference in the performance of hulls, maybe 5 seconds around the racecourse across all of the boats in Barcelona,” contends Dan Bernasconi, Head of Design for Emirates Team New Zealand.

“So, the Class Rule and design parameters still allow for important gains and difference in performance from the foils, sails, and control systems for example. As with every iteration of the same class of boat, there is no doubt the racing will be a lot closer this time around between all teams.”

The most radical visual transformation lies in the crew pod on either side of the AC75. In a fundamental shift for the class, the leg-powered athletes who provided hydraulic pressure have been retired as per the Protocol of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

In their place sits a standardized battery system for use across all teams. This high-capacity battery is now the primary source of power for the yacht’s complex foil and sail control systems. This technological leap has direct consequences for the crew, moving the challenge from physical exertion to digital discipline, as sailors must manage finite battery limits throughout the race.

The removal of the cyclors has reduced the sailing team, but with an odd number of crew (five), roles are becoming more fluid, or roles like flight control and sail trimming may be further consolidated. The change in number of sailors onboard is a hot topic of discussion with regard to how the teams will split the five roles most effectively.

One certainty in the coming days is Olympic gold and silver medalist Jo Aleh is set to become the first woman to crew an AC75 as a new rule introduced requires at least one woman among the crew.

“It’s a really positive step in terms of completing the pathway for women in the America’s Cup and at the pinnacle of our sport,” explained Aleh. “It’s a step everyone is really excited about and I’m excited about bringing my experience to strengthen the new sailing team we are putting together.”

Additionally, another notable change to the new layout is a dedicated guest racer pod, designed to allow a non-crew member to experience the raw G-forces of an AC75 at full flight, a feature not seen since the days of the version 5 IACC boats in 2007.

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 March 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.

Preliminary Regattas:*
May 21-24 – Cagliari, Sardinia

* More to be announced.

Source: ETNZ