Is this still the America’s Cup?

For the first time in the America’s Cup’s 175-year history, the boats will not have any crew powering onboard trim adjustments. With racing to be in 2027, the new rules for the AC75 yacht now have batteries doing the work.

With a one-design 125kg battery pack replacing the grunt of four elite athletes, the teams face an entirely new challenge, which is to manage the finite battery power to get around the course. Unlike athletes with tired legs, a battery doesn’t get a second wind.

In The Foil podcast, Andy Rice, Freddie Carr and Neil Cole unpack what the shift from cyclors to batteries actually means for how these boats will be sailed.

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 are to be announced.