Legal drama for British America’s Cup bid

Sir Ben Ainslie (GBR) won his fifth Olympic medal at London 2012, assisted the USA team in their successful defense of the 2013 America’s Cup, and has since been on a mission to win the trophy for Great Britain. While his attempts in 2017, 2021, and 2024 fell short, Ainslie believed his commitment would be awarded.

But now the question is… will Ainslie have a boat for the 2027 edition?

The legal dispute between his sponsor for the 2021 and 2024 – Sir Jim Ratcliffe (owner of Ineos) – and Ainslie over ownership of the AC75 used in the 2024 America’s Cup in Barcelona has entered a new, bitter chapter in court.

The latest legal briefs filed confirm, if confirmation were needed, that the rift between the two former allies is complete: Ineos has rejected the “good-faith” settlement proposal put forward by Ainslie regarding the use of the boat ahead of the 38th America’s Cup.

The plan for all existing teams is to re-use their hulls from 2024, but with modifications to meet changes in the AC75 rule. Currently, the disputed hull is under the physical control of Ainslie’s team, which is working on the upgrades and modifications. But will they get to use it?

There is currently no published trial date or judgment date, and it is unlikely the case will be heard during 2026, and it may not be heard before the 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027. While the court could prohibit use of the boat, it is not automatic, and at the moment there is no indication that it intends to do so. But Ratcliffe does appear to want blood… standing by.

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