America’s Cup: Biennial Racing Schedule Confirmed

The organizers of the America’s Cup announced on Monday that the competition will take place every two years. Since its first edition in 1851, the race for the silver ewer has always taken place at an erratic pace, at the discretion of the title holder who, once the trophy in hand, decides the calendar and rules for the following edition.

But in continuation of recent announcements aimed at modernizing the image of the race – mixed crew, capping of budgets – the “Defender” Team New Zealand detailed new commitments on Monday, including the establishment of a “fixed calendar” which will see the organization of a Cup every two years.

“It’s about preserving what makes the America’s Cup extraordinary while building a sustainable model that benefits everyone who shares our passion“, declared Grant Dalton, director of the Kiwis, three-time title holders, in a press release.

Furthermore, a major change in the history of this 174-year-old competition, the organization of future editions – including that planned for Naples in 2027 – is no longer solely the responsibility of the “Defender”. She will be entrusted to a “unified entity“, an unprecedented alliance between founding teams who will all have a say in participating in the “growth“and the”long-term stability” of the competition.

At this stage, five structures are part of the partnership: Team New Zealand (NZL), Athena Racing (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Team Alinghi (SUI) and K-Challenge (FRA). However, the Swiss and the French have not, to date, confirmed their participation in the next edition of the Cup.

These five structures will meet on January 21 in Naples to reveal the exact dates of the next America’s Cup. Teams have until January 31 to apply to participate.