Mixed crews introduced for 2027 America's Cup
Team New Zealand celebrates with the Auld Mug trophy on the podium after winning the 37th America's Cup.
PARIS – Women sailors will form part of the crews in the 38th America's Cup in Naples in 2027, under a long-awaited protocol released on Aug 12.
The boats will race with a crew of five, one of which must be a woman, and the functions of the boat will increasingly be powered by battery.
The woman crew member and two others must come from the country that the boat is racing for.
In another new measure, team costs will be capped at €75 million for the 2027 edition.
Holders Team New Zealand and their challengers Athena Racing signed off on the protocol.
Athena's CEO and team principal Ben Ainslie described the protocol as a 'seismic moment' for the competition.
'The teams and yacht clubs share a vision to make the America's Cup more inclusive, compelling, and financially sustainable. This new model marks a unified commitment to that vision,' the Briton said.
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New York Yacht Club (NYYC) commodore Jay Cross also said they are 'completely supportive' of the move.
The America's Cup, billed as the oldest trophy in international sport, was retained by New Zealand last October in Barcelona when they beat Britain. NYYC are the most successful team with 25 titles.
'As the three-time successive winner and Defender of the America's Cup and along with the RNZYS (Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron) as current Trustee, we feel the responsibility to continue to drive the growth of the America's Cup event,' Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton said in a statement.
'Although the America's Cup is the oldest trophy in international sport and the pinnacle of sailing, its Achilles heel has always been its lack of continuity, so this transformation now gives all teams collective stewardship.
'By negotiating this Protocol and the America's Cup Partnership with the Challenger of Record, it provides certainty for teams, commercial partners, and event venues to invest for multiple editions.'
The 38th edition will feature Peter Burling of New Zealand, a three-time winner, bringing his wealth of experience to Italian outfit Luna Rossa, although it is in an undefined role.
Burling, who was pivotal to New Zealand's three successive wins (2017/21/24) skippering them in the last two, became a free agent in April when he was unable to reach an agreement with Team New Zealand.
While it is traditionally the holders who choose the venue, Team New Zealand said in April they could not secure government backing to host the regatta.
Italy then stepped in.
It will be the first time the world's most prestigious regatta takes place in Italy and the home advantage gives the hosts a chance to finally win one of the oldest competitions in international sport. AFP, REUTERS
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