Inside AC: How AI is changing the game

Inside America’s Cup with host Niall Myant-Best is the official podcast of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, with each episode going under the surface of one of the most competitive and secretive sports events in the world, and explaining the decisions that separate winning from losing.

In this segment, Myant-Best meets with Nick Holroyd, Head of Design at the British America’s Cup challenge GB1, for a technical inside look at how Artificial Intelligence is changing the game.

What exactly is this transformative technology doing in sailing, and is it already taking over from the sailors? Their conversation reveals how AI is being used right now by America’s Cup teams to design faster and more efficient boats, and how it could even be onboard during racing.

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
• GB1 (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 is May 22 to July 4 before the 38th Match on July 10-19. Full details.

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.

Source: America’s Cup