America’s Cup Partnership has its man

The America’s Cup Partnership (ACP), a new entity to provide the historic event with enduring leadership and governance, became operational on November 1, 2025 and now has its leader. Marzio Perrelli (ITA) will take office as the Chief Executive Officer of the America’s Cup Partnership on April 7, 2026.

Perrelli’s career has combined financial discipline, media strategy and large-scale sports rights management. He joins after working across finance in the UK, USA, and Italy, where he held senior leadership roles at both Goldman Sachs and HSBC.

“The America’s Cup Partnership represents an evolution in how the event is managed, providing a more consistent framework for teams, partners and host venues, while fully respecting the sporting tradition that defines the Cup,” said Perrelli.

“By strengthening governance and long-term planning, we aim to create the conditions for sustained investment, continued innovation at the pinnacle of the sport and broader global engagement.”

Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, the Defender of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, will remain in place as the Chairman of ACP.

“It is a unique position in sport at a time of huge opportunity with at least five strong teams confirmed for Naples in 2027 and a changing sporting landscape that sees women onboard the America’s Cup yachts for the first time as well as thriving pathways for women and youth sailors coming through to the apex of sailing,” said Dalton. “Marzio joins at the perfect time with all the credentials to take the event and the sport forward.”

There allegedly were additional entries submitted by the deadline on March 31, 2026 that have not been revealed. The first Preliminary Regatta, which will race AC40 in Sardinia, is May 21-24, 2026.

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
• La Roche-Posay Racing Team (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.