Progress is not always a fast process.
With the America’s Cup set to usher in a new era after the creation of a partnership allowing all teams involved to have a seat at the table, updates about the make-up of the 38th edition in Naples have been few and far between.
Now, it’s all systems go.
Five teams have confirmed their place on the starting line for when the America’s Cup regatta hits the water in Naples in the 2027 European summer, all joining the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) as founding teams.
While the status of defender Emirates Team New Zealand and British challenger of record Athena Racing was already known, the partnership has provided clarity among other challengers.
After hints they would not return for the next edition of the Cup, Swiss representative Alinghi will be among the action, returning as Tudor Team Alinghi.
The team would not comment on their potential involvement beyond announcing an “orderly wind-down” of Alinghi Red Bull Racing, the moniker the team competed under in Barcelona, over the last few months.
They did, however, announce the sale of Red Bull’s shareholding and removed the energy drink giant’s name from their own.
“This partnership is the embodiment of a collective commitment to further elevating sailing on the global sporting stage, whilst remaining true to the America’s Cup’s traditions, values, and competitive spirit,” Alinghi owner Ernesto Bertarelli said.
“By working together to create a more transparent and collaborative structure, we’re ensuring that this iconic competition will thrive for generations to come. We are proud to be part of its foundation, while renewing and strengthening our long-term partnership with Tudor.”
They are joined by perennial Italian challengers Luna Rossa, alongside French syndicate K-Challenge who were a late entry for the 37th edition in Barcelona.
There is also the potential for further challengers to enter, with a late-entry deadline of January 31.
American group Riptide Racing are among those teams working towards launching a viable challenge by that date.
Details of the ACP had already been revealed when the protocol for the 38th edition was signed off by Team NZ and Athena Racing in August. The body would be responsible for organising and managing the event’s on and off-water format and will oversee the development, protection and commercialisation of media and commercial rights.
It also sees teams in agreement on the America’s Cup moving to a two-year cycle, continued commitment to the women’s and Youth America’s Cup pathways, as well as shared revenues and cost-control measures.
The ACP was due to take over governance in November, being comprised of a representative of each team, as well as an independent chief executive. Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton has been continuing to ensure preparations remain on track in the interim.
“This is about preserving what makes the America’s Cup extraordinary while building a sustainable model that benefits everyone who shares our passion for this great competition,” Dalton said.
“We are securing the position of the America’s Cup at the pinnacle of innovation and professional sport for decades to come.”
With the confirmation of the founding teams all being in agreement on the ACP, more details around racing in this cycle are expected to be revealed in late January, including dates of the Cup match.
The body is also in charge of deciding on hosts for the preliminary regattas, with the protocol indicating up to three AC40 events would be contested in 2026 as well as one in early 2027.
So far, there has been no indication of dates or locations for these regattas.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.