What’s next for the 38th America’s Cup?

Five teams are confirmed for the 38th America’s Cup, and with the rules requiring previously used AC75s, much of the activity has occurred behind closed base doors for the 2027 event. The mission for design teams and boatbuilders has been to adapt their boats to the new rules with the first possible sailing day being the January 16, 2026.

The modifications required will be extensive with the most recognizable feature being the new five-person crew arrangement (previously 8 crew in 2024) and the introduction of having at least one female sailor and the Guest Racer spot onboard.

Expect plenty of interpretation on deck layout, and with the Cyclors retired and replaced by adaptive smart battery power that mimics the Cyclors’ output from the 37th edition, there will be plenty of decisions for the sailing teams to make in relation to, crew functions, control systems, tactics and course strategy.

Under the terms of the 38th America’s Cup Protocol, the Joint Reconnaissance Program (Recon) introduced for AC37 to save money will start from the moment the first AC75 is launched and sailing. Once again teams will be assigned two-person Recon teams that will follow and record activity on the water plus off-the-water interviews and spy shots from the team bases.

The teams will also be ramping up for Preliminary Regattas in 2026 to be held at various, yet to be announced, locations around Europe. All entered teams will race in AC40 yachts for the 2026 Preliminary Regattas in strict one-design mode, and each team is also allowed to enter a second AC40 crewed by members of their Youth and Women’s teams.

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 January 31, 2026. If no USA team participates in the 38th America’s Cup, it will be the first time in the event’s 175-year history.

Current entrants:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
• Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
• Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
• K-Challenge (FRA) – Challenger

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy. Racing will be in the spring and summer of 2027.

Source: AC38