Summarised by Centrist
The 38th America’s Cup, set for Naples in 2027, will require each competing team to have a female sailor on board.
The rule is part of a broader protocol shake-up that also reduces crews from eight to five sailors and replaces manual grinding with battery power.
The inclusion of women aims to ensure a more representative crew composition as teams adapt to the new, streamlined AC75 yachts. A sixth person on board will be a guest racer, providing VIPs, sponsors, media, and influencers the chance to experience the race up close.
The protocol also introduces the America’s Cup Partnership, granting all teams equal authority in managing the event and commercial rights, a move Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), the official New Zealand sailing team, chief executive Grant Dalton described as giving “collective stewardship” to all involved.
Other changes include a cost cap of NZD $147 million for campaigns and allowing teams to use existing AC75 hulls from the last edition, reducing expenses and increasing accessibility.
Preliminary regattas in 2026 and early 2027 will feature smaller AC40 boats, with teams required to enter two vessels, one crewed by women and youth sailors.
