America’s Cup Protocol Sets Bold New Course for 2027 and Beyond

The America’s Cup is entering uncharted waters. The newly released Protocol for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup outlines sweeping changes to the way the 174-year-old competition is governed, raced, and promoted — a move that organizers are calling the most significant shift in the Cup’s history.

The agreement, signed by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) and Team New Zealand as Defender, and the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd and Athena Racing as Challenger of Record, establishes a new America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) granting equal governance to all participating teams. This collective authority will oversee everything from race formats to media rights, with the goal of creating a more predictable, sustainable, and globally appealing event.

“As the founding Trustee of the America’s Cup, we are completely supportive of the move to modernise the oldest sporting trophy in the world,” said NYYC Commodore Jay Cross.

Entries open August 19, 2025, for the 2027 event, which will be hosted in Naples, Italy. The Protocol aims to make the Cup a biannual fixture, supported by consistent formats and commercial planning that allow teams, sponsors, and venues to invest in multiple cycles.

Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton called the agreement “the boldest change in 174 years of the Cup,” noting that it addresses the long-standing challenge of continuity. Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO of Athena Racing, described it as “a seismic moment” for sailing, bringing inclusivity and financial stability to the forefront.

Among the headline changes:

• Women’s and Youth America’s Cup events will remain, with at least one female sailor required on each AC75 crew.
  
• Nationality rules will require three of the five sailors onboard to hold the team’s passport.
  
• AC75s will be powered in part by battery systems, and teams will be allowed guest racers — giving VIPs, media, and sponsors a front-row seat to the action.
  
• Cost controls will cap team budgets at €75 million, with rules requiring reuse of AC37 hulls where possible.
  

Racing will feature both match and fleet formats, ensuring all teams see more race time. Preliminary regattas in AC40s are set for 2026 and early 2027, leading into the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Selection Series and the final America’s Cup Match in July 2027.

“As current Trustee of the America’s Cup, we have been integral in carving this new path,” said RNZYS Commodore David Blakey. “Promoting pathways for young sailors and developing the sport in New Zealand is a top priority.”

With Naples confirmed as the host city, anticipation is already building for an edition of the Cup that organizers hope will honor its history while charting a course for the future.

READ THE LOUIS VUITTON 38TH AMERICA’S CUP PROTOCOL HERE

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