Australia returning to the America’s Cup?

Australia is preparing to launch its first bid for the America’s Cup in roughly 25 years, with the proposed challenge for the 38th edition in 2027 expected to involve high-profile Australian sailing figures including Tom Slingsby and Glenn Ashby.

Australia has a storied history in the America’s Cup, most famously when Australia II ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak in 1983 under skipper John Bertrand and designer Ben Lexcen.

An official announcement on the new Australian challenge has not yet been fully confirmed by the America’s Cup organizers, but industry coverage indicates preparations are well underway.

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.

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
• American Racing Challenger Team USA (USA) – 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, 2026 – Cagliari, Sardinia

* More are to be announced.