ARC Team USA getting their feet wet

The second preliminary regatta for the 38th America’s Cup is set for September 25-27 in Naples, Italy. Aside from Australia sitting out due to their late start, the other six teams will be competing.

After missing the previous event, ARC Team USA has ramped up their program and is now training on-site. After his grandfather won in 1992, Harry Melges IV is on the wheel for this edition, continuing on his journey from scow land.

Whereas most modern USA professionals toiled for eight years with high school and college sailing, H4 skipped that step and had a higher focus. His success in the Midwest led him to Melges 24s, 49ers, TP52s, Youth America’s Cup, and now at 24 years of age, he’s on an America’s Cup team. – 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
• 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. In 2027, 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