Key Points for the 2027 America’s Cup Announced by Defender and Challenger of Record
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz 8 Nov 00:05 PST
8 November 2024
© Ian Roman / America’s Cup – Emirates Team NZ and INEOS Britannia – Race 7 & 8 – Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, Race Day 5 – October 18, 2024.
The Defender and Challenger of Record for the upcoming America’s Cup have shared essential details about the 38th Match, pending the formal signing and release of the Protocol document.
The newly released statement includes the following main points (summarized with our commentary):
The AC75 class will remain, but the next America’s Cup will not occur until 2027. No significant alterations to the Nationality regulations (though some pre-March 2021 provisions and exemptions were included in the Protocol for the recently concluded America’s Cup) Restrictions placed on the sailing of AC75 yachts for one year—alongside a limit on sailing days for AC75s. It remains unclear how this will impact new teams needing practice time in existing AC75s. Development on LEQ12s is banned, but allowed on AC40s that stay “in class.” Cost limitations and a “carbon cap” are set to be explored. Plans to increase the number of Preliminary Regattas are underway. However, the expansion of SailGP and the flow of America’s Cup sailors into SailGP teams could pose challenges. The SailGP owners, under private management, appear eager to offer competitive salaries and bonuses to top sailors. Continue to build on the achievements of the Youth and Women’s America’s Cups, utilizing AC40s, which are two areas where the America’s Cup has a well-established event, capable of substantial growth and can provide challenging options to SailGP.
The statement, released by the Defender, Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and the Challenger of Record, Royal Yacht Squadron, reads as follows:
The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron (RNZYS) and Emirates Team New Zealand are excited to confirm that the RNZYS has received and accepted a Notice of Challenge for the 38th America’s Cup (AC38) from Royal Yacht Squadron Limited, represented by INEOS Britannia, which will serve as the Challenger of Record for AC38.
Both parties are collaborating to prepare for the 38th America’s Cup, building on the success of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in 2024.
“As Emirates Team New Zealand’s AC75 crossed the finish line on Saturday, October 19th, the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron accepted a challenge for the 38th America’s Cup from our longstanding British friends at Royal Yacht Squadron Limited,” stated Gillian Williams, RNZYS Commodore. “It’s fantastic to have the RYS involved again, as they were the first yacht club to present this trophy over 173 years ago, which truly started the America’s Cup legacy. Alongside Emirates Team New Zealand, we look forward to enhancing the solid foundation created by our collaboration on the 37th America’s Cup as we proceed with the event’s details.”
It has been established that AC38 will be a multi-Challenger event, and with the submission of the first challenge, the Royal Yacht Squadron Limited is designated as the Challenger of Record. In particular, the following agreements have been made:
(a) The yacht class will be the AC75, and teams will be limited to constructing one new AC75 for AC38;
(b) The existing Crew Nationality rule in the AC37 Protocol will be maintained, with the Emerging Nations provisions set for review;
(c) The intention is for the AC38 Match to take place within three years after the conclusion of the AC37 Match, with any necessary adjustments made for the hemisphere where it will be raced, and the venue will be disclosed by the Defender within eight months post the final race of the AC37 Match, along with a Protocol published as soon as possible within that timeframe;
(d) The following limitations will apply to the sailing and testing of AC75 and AC40 yachts:
No sailing of AC75 yachts will be permitted for 12 months following the final race of the AC37 Match, except when participating in any Preliminary Regattas that may be organized, allowing earlier sailing for new teams;
No development on LEQ yachts is allowed, but there are no restrictions on sailing “in class” AC40 yachts;
A total limit on the number of sailing days for AC75 yachts will be implemented;
The Defender and COR have agreed to examine and, if suitable, apply other meaningful cost-reduction strategies, including a budget cap and carbon cap for teams, and to work on a strategy to further commercialize the America’s Cup.
There is also a goal to increase the number of Preliminary Regattas to facilitate more frequent racing during the AC38 cycle, featuring both AC40 and AC75 events, with considerations for both fleet racing and match racing formats for AC40s and AC75s.
Both the Defender and COR are dedicated to enhancing the success of the AC37 Women’s and Youth America’s Cup events.
Further information regarding the anticipated event schedule, venue, and relevant matters will be communicated in due course.
“We are thrilled to have been accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron as Challenger of Record for AC38, following our fruitful partnership during the 37th America’s Cup,” remarked Bertie Bicket, Chairman of Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd. “We are completely devoted to collaborating with the Defender to agree upon a Protocol that aims to encourage more participating Challenger nations and further promote and expand both the Women’s and Youth America’s Cup events.”
“The 38th America’s Cup effectively began the moment our team crossed the finish line in Barcelona on October 19th,” stated Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand.
“It’s truly exciting to maintain continuity with the Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia, to continue to enhance the global profile of the America’s Cup. The third-generation AC75s and the unprecedented broadcast reach of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona has greatly benefited this unique sporting event, and we look forward to revealing future plans in due course.”
“The 37th America’s Cup was a tremendous success both on and off the water, demonstrating the unique value of the America’s Cup as a global sports franchise. We are eager to support the Defender in fostering the continued growth of the Cup for AC38 and beyond,” stated Ben Ainslie, CEO & Team Principal of INEOS Britannia.
