Taking first steps toward America’s Cup

American Racing Challenger Team USA, representing Sail Newport, are now operational from their base in Pensacola, Florida and have taken the first steps on their unique ‘Road to Naples’ for 2027.

The American team have confirmed that they will be at the second Preliminary Regatta in Naples from the September 24-27 and have been busy evaluating athletes and forming the sailing team and structure that will represent the USA going forward. It’s all about the future for American Racing Challenger Team USA, so we caught up with Giles Scott, Sailing Director, for the here and now.

Reflecting on the first two-boat AC40 training sessions in Pensacola, Giles was super-upbeat saying: “The camps have been really positive and have given us a great opportunity to start shaping what the team will look like. One of our key focuses is building a team with a strong American identity with one eye firmly on the future. We’re taking a long-term view of this campaign and the program as a whole.” – Full report

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.