The Defender of the America’s Cup, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (represented by Team New Zealand), and the Challenger of Record, Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd (represented by Athena Racing), have signed the Protocol for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, to be held in Naples, Italy, in summer 2027.
This Protocol marks a historic shift — introducing a groundbreaking partnership that gives equal authority to all participating teams, setting the stage for a more collaborative and sustainable future for the oldest international trophy in sport.
A New Partnership Model
Entries open 19 August 2025, with the America’s Cup entering a new chapter built around a centralised commercial structure designed to expand global reach, strengthen commercial value, and unify all competitors under a shared vision.
At the heart of the agreement is the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) — a collective governance body where all teams will share equal decision-making power over the event’s format, media rights, and commercial strategy. The goal: more predictable scheduling, a biennial Cup cycle, and a stronger, more engaged worldwide audience.
NYYC Commodore Jay Cross praised the move:
“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.”
Driving Growth & Continuity
Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton highlighted the transformative nature of the change:
“This is the boldest change in 174 years of the Cup. The lack of continuity has always been its Achilles’ heel — this partnership finally gives all teams collective stewardship and the certainty to invest for multiple editions.”
Athena Racing’s Sir Ben Ainslie called it a “seismic moment” for the Cup:
“This new model makes the America’s Cup more inclusive, compelling, and financially sustainable. It’s a unified commitment to the future.”
Innovations for AC38
The new Protocol introduces several key changes:
- Women & Youth Pathways: Women’s and Youth America’s Cup events continue, with at least one female sailor required onboard each AC75.
- Nationality Rule: Minimum two nationals plus the female sailor from the country of the team, with up to two non-nationals allowed.
- Revitalised Racing Format: A mix of match and fleet racing in the Louis Vuitton Cup to keep all teams active longer, leading to a semi-final and final Challenger Selection Series.
- Preliminary Regattas: Up to three AC40 events in 2026, one in early 2027, plus a final AC75 regatta in Naples ahead of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
- Cost Controls: €75 million team budget cap and re-use of existing AC75 hulls wherever possible.
- Onboard Guest Racers: VIPs, sponsors, and media will get the chance to experience racing firsthand on AC75s.
Looking Ahead to Naples 2027
With Italy confirmed as host country and Naples as the official host city, anticipation is already building. RNZYS Commodore David Blakey summed up the shared vision:
“This Protocol delivers on the promise to promote young sailors and develop the sport globally. Bring on Naples in 2027!”
RYS Ltd’s Bertie Bicket added:
“This has been a complex but collaborative effort. It’s a paradigm shift in the future structure of the America’s Cup.”
The countdown to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup has begun — and with this landmark agreement, sailing’s most prestigious event looks set for its most exciting and inclusive chapter yet.
📍 Naples, Summer 2027 — where history meets a bold new vision for the future of sailing.
