The AC40 foiling yachts will line-up for the first Preliminary Regatta of the 38th America’s Cup on May 22-24, 2026 in Cagliari, Sardinia. While recent entrants from Australia and USA will be absent, the other four challengers will race alongside the Kiwi defenders.

Eight teams will be competing as New Zealand, Great Britain, and Italy have entered two AC40s, with the second crewed by a mix of women and youth. After an eight fleet-race series, the top two teams proceed to a single match race to determine the event winner.

Cagliari will not contribute any points toward Naples 2027, nor will this preliminary regatta have any direct impact on the final standings of the 38th America’s Cup. But it will reveal where each team stand in their preparation.

Racing is planned for 3:00-5:00pm CEST (9:00-11:00am EDT).

Crew lists: https://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Crew-List.pdf
Sardinia event details: https://www.americascup.com/sardinia

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
• Team Australia (AUS) – 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 22-24, 2026 – Cagliari, Italy
September 24-27 – Naples, Italy

* The Protocol noted how there would be as many Preliminary Regattas as possible, with the intent to have three during 2026 and one possibly in early 2027, and a final event at the Match Venue immediately prior to the challenger series. Only two have been thus far revealed.

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