when is the america's cup yacht race

LIVE UPDATES FROM JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA: RACE DAY 2

‘Ahlan Wa Sahlan bikom min al baher al Ahmar’ or ‘Welcome from the Red Sea’ here in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for what we are expecting to be ‘moving day’ with the leaderboard points desperately close and three races that can make or break the regatta for the professional sailors of the America’s Cup.

FOLLOW THE RACING RIGHT HERE:  

RACE FOUR - JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA In even conditions across the racecourse, it was the kind of race that the AC40 was designed for. The pack started by dialling deep into the start-box on port tack before picking their lane back for the time-on-distance into the line on sytarboard. NYYC American Magic had the bit between their teeth and nailed the pin end of the line and headed out to the port boundary with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli whilst Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS Britannia started mid-line together with the Kiwis quickly squeezing the British and forcing them to tack away.

On the entry to the top mark, American Magic squeezed Luna Rossa from a leeward position and opened the door for an early lead, taking the starboard gate in first place whilst Emirates Team Luna Rossa and Emirates Team New Zealand took the port gate. The moment of the race was the first downwind leg with the Italians nailing a super-fast gybe on the starboard boundary and then 19-year-old Marco Gradoni calling the cross on American Magic on port gybe having found just a click more wind down the right (looking down the course) - gutsy call from a real coming talent of world sailing.

From there, Luna Rossa stole into a lead that gave them ultimate control of the race and with excellent front-running they made no mistakes, tacked where they wanted to in clear air, and gybed on the shifts downwind to the final gate. The delta between the Americans and Kiwis was closing up noticeably on the final rounding and on the beat to the final windward mark, it was the tussle of all tussles with the two splitting gates. A desperately close rounding and downwind ensued with American Magic going right and Emirates Team New Zealand to the left. Spare a thought too for INEOS Britannia and Alinghi Red Bull Racing who were dicing for fourth and fifth places and going bow-to-bow. On the cross up front, it was Emirates Team New Zealand on starboard who managed to get over the bow of the Americans and then built on the lead by a few boatlengths before the gybe back to port, finishing 26 seconds astern of Luna Rossa who secured a brilliant race win. Tactics, pace, power and total coolness under pressure, the Italians had it all. Outstanding. American Magic in third whilst INEOS Britannia secured 4 th just metres ahead of Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Great, close-quarters racing.

Orient Express Racing had a boundary penalty before the start and after racing requested a five-minute delay due to an hydraulic issue.

RACE FIVE - JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA

The swell began to build ahead of Race 5 of the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, presented by NEOM, and after a delayed start whilst the French battled hydraulic issues, the remaining fleet dialled down into the box again coming from above the line, gybing on to port before picking their spot for the lead back to the line. INEOS Britannia and Emirates Team New Zealand looked to make the best of it but were called OCS (over the line) whilst both American Magic and Orient Express copped penalties. With chaos in the pack, Emirates Team New Zealand hit the port boundary along with Luna Rossa and it was a drag race to establish the starboard tack advantage. Penalties were costly for the pack with the requirement to lose 75 metres of distance relative to the infringed yacht or incident and by the starboard layline to the top mark it was effectively a drag race between Emirates Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa.

The Kiwis aced the final layline in and rounded the starboard gate first whilst the Italians chose the port gate and it was all downwind with the Kiwis just squeezing into the lead in the first half of the run. Great moding and trim downwind kept the Kiwis ahead as they rose a high ride-height over the increasingly bumpy swell. At the first leeward mark, the Kiwis had made gains and elected for the port rounding with Luna Rossa taking the starboard gate with Alinghi Red Bull Racing giving chase in third. Luna Rossa played the left side of the second beat and seemed to be enjoying a wide cant angle and low ride, making gains on the Kiwis who were bouncing right. It was desperately close action all the way up and when the Kiwis allowed Luna Rossa to get to their right, it was the Italians who tacked back and took a brilliant lead at the second windward mark. The Kiwis were dumbfounded with the onboard comms desperately trying to analyse exactly what the Italians were doing better but the downwind was gybe to gybe with all eye on the layline into the final leeward mark where the Italians took the starboard gate as the Kiwis took the port and it was a split tack start to the final leg.

Having both hit their respective boundaries and tacked, Emirates Team New Zealand crossed the bow of Luna Rossa early on the leg and let the Italians get to the right. A fatal error for the Kiwis as Luna Rossa seized the lead and then match-raced, tacking on the Kiwi bow and forcing them left. The Italians liked the right and looked to have serious height upwind with plenty of power. At the final windward mark, the Kiwis selected the starboard gate and the Italians took the port on an almost simultaneous rounding. Thrilling racing and set up beautifully for a do-or-die run to the finish. Early on, it was advantage Emirates Team New Zealand as the Kiwis crossed the bow on starboard gybe and set up for a port gybe layline into the finish. Luna Rossa gybed out left and came back in on starboard but it was the Kiwis that kept the lead and crossed to win by just a 3 second delta. Alinghi Red Bull Racing secured third just ahead of American Magic with INEOS Britannia taking fifth and the Orient Express Racing in sixth. Another breath-taking race.    

RACE 6 - JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA  Emirates Team New Zealand got an absolute flyer of a start in Race 6, tacking beneath the fleet and gaining the port end of the line at full pace and headed out to the controlling port boundary. Luna Rossa were given a penalty for a close tack on Alinghi Red Bull Racing but it was the Kiwis having prime control, able to sail clean on the shifts, cross the course and hold the right side along with NYYC American Magic. Alinghi Red Bull Racing made a clean start and called the shifts well upwind to secure second place after NYYC Magic were forced to tack away to the right to clear the Kiwis. However at the top mark, it was the Swiss who called a genius layline to the starboard gate and rounded ahead as Emirates Team New Zealand elected to take the port tack with American Magic who had squeezed around just in front. On the downwind on the right, the Kiwis gybed first and headed to the left side of the course in an attempt to keep starboard gybe advantage on the return gybe.

It was a genius call and the Kiwis rounded the starboard gate (looking downwind) in unison with the Swiss who took the port gate with American Magic close behind. Emirates Team New Zealand hit the left hand, port boundary before tacking back onto port but it was a losing tack as both the Swiss and Kiwis made big gains out right. Unfazed, Emirates Team New Zealand hit the right side of the beat and came back into the three-way battle, crossing American Magic and putting the pressure on the Swiss. Awesome racing. At the second windward mark, a loose rounding by the Swiss off the port gate saw a near splashdown with American Magic rounding close behind. The Kiwis made a smooth rounding at the starboard gate and it was all-on for the second downwind leg.

The Kiwis crossed the trailing duo in desperately close action but then fluffed the gybe back but somehow managed to stay ahead on a port layline and took the port gate to lead by the slenderest of margins into the final upwind. American Magic had eked into second just a smidge behind but they Kiwis went right and built into the slenderest of leads with Alinghi Red Bull Racing back in third but in touch and the Italians chasing hard after their penalty in fourth. In the final quarter into the windward mark, it was a drag race to the laylines with Emirates Team New Zealand taking the port gate just ahead of the Swiss whilst American Magic rolled the dice in second and took the starboard gate with Luna Rossa just behind. On the first cross downwind, Emirates Team New Zealand held a handy three boatlength lead and headed to the left side to set up for the starboard layline into the finish, crossing American Magic with pace. At the finish it was Emirates Team New Zealand who secured the 10 points with American Magic in second. Behind there was a desperately close finish between Alinghi Red Bull Racing and Luna Rossa with an almost photo-finish at the end. The Swiss just shaded it for third place. Outstanding racing here in Jeddah and it is Emirates Team New Zealand who ultimately came out on top and lead the standings going into the final day.

(Magnus Wheatley)

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37th America's Cup: INEOS TEAM UK and Royal Yacht Squadron Racing become Challenger of Record

The defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, accepted the Royal Yacht Squadron Racing's Notice of Challenge and INEOS have confirmed they will continue to back Sir Ben Ainslie's bid to try and win sport's oldest international trophy

By Emma Thurston

Friday 19 March 2021 09:22, UK

Great Britain's quest, and that of Sir Ben Ainslie, to win the America's Cup for the first time will continue as the Royal Yacht Squadron Racing and INEOS TEAM UK have become the Challenger of Record for the 37th edition of the America's Cup.

The Challenger of Record is the yacht club that's formally appointed by the defender of the America's Cup, and then they are represented by a specific team - in this case INEOS TEAM UK.

The Challenger of Record will work together with the defender of the America's Cup to develop the parameters for the forthcoming campaign, before other teams then become part of the competition.

@INEOSTEAMUK and Royal Yacht Squadron Racing are pleased to confirm that the @RNZYS on behalf of the Defender @EmiratesTeamNZ accepted their Notice of Challenge for the 37th @americascup (AC37) and have become the Challenger of Record for AC37. 👇 https://t.co/cVSHdOy4FY pic.twitter.com/4PAbOjyJ9X — Royal Yacht Squadron (@royal_squadron) March 19, 2021

The Challenge letter was signed on March 17, on board the yacht IMAGINE by Bertie Bicket, chairman of Royal Yacht Squadron Racing and accepted by Aaron Young, commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Club as Emirates Team New Zealand crossed the line to win the 36th America's Cup .

The Royal Yacht Squadron Racing also confirmed they will continue to be represented by INEOS TEAM UK, as INEOS announced they will continue to back Ainslie's team.

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It will be the first time a British team has competed in three consecutive Cup cycles, since Sir Thomas Lipton and the Royal Ulster YC bids between 1899 to 1930.

Dalton: It starts now

With the Challenger of Record confirmed, Grant Dalton, Emirates Team New Zealand CEO, was keen to stress there is no time to lose.

Emirates Team New Zealand win 36th America's Cup

Royal Yachting Association sets new diversity strategy

"The 37th America's Cup effectively starts the moment the team crossed the finish line on Wednesday afternoon," he said.

"It is very exciting to have a new Challenger of Record to continue to build the scale of the America's Cup globally.

"The AC75s and the unprecedented broadcast reach of the exciting racing from Auckland's stunning Waitemata Harbour have really put Auckland and the America's Cup at the forefront of international sport."

Meanwhile, Ainslie, skipper and team principal of INEOS TEAM UK, also shared his excitement about the road ahead and where the next edition of the America's Cup can take sailing.

"INEOS TEAM UK are committed to working alongside Emirates Team New Zealand and our respective yacht clubs to continue the development of this historic event," he said.

The introduction of the AC75 class of yacht has proven to be a transformative moment in the history of the America's Cup and will be the bedrock of a really bright future. Sir Ben Ainslie - Image Credit: COR 36 | Studio Borlenghi

Parameters for 37th America's Cup

One of the unique features of the America's Cup as a competition is that the defender, in conjunction with the Challenger of Record, set the parameters for the next race.

Together they develop what's known as the 'Class Rule' and all teams will adhere to that throughout an America's Cup campaign. The Class Rule for the 36th America's Cup, which Emirates Team New Zealand just won, included a move to AC75 yachts for the first time.

Already, Emirates Team New Zealand have announced the protocols will be published within eight months and they have already made some elements clear.

The AC75 class of boat, these 75ft foiling monohulls, will remain as the class of yacht used for the next two America's Cup cycles.

Teams will only be allowed to build one new AC75 for the next event, and the venue for the 37th America's Cup Match will be determined within six months.

Both Emirates Team New Zealand and INEOS TEAM UK will also be investigating and agreeing a package of cost reduction measures. The aim being to try and attract a higher number of challengers and help generate new teams.

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The 37th America’s Cup Defense Begins in August: Here are the Important Dates

The America’s Cup holds a special place in the world of yacht racing since, before it was lost by the New York Yacht Club to the Australians in 1983, it was the longest winning streak in American sports history – 132 years!

The 37 th defense of the cup by the current holder Emirates Team New Zealand marks another chapter in this storied event. Not without the usual controversy, this year’s defense will be held in Barcelona, Spain, instead of the defender’s home waters in Auckland, New Zealand, much to the disgruntlement of the whole Kiwi nation.

Five challengers have stepped forward to try to wrest the cup away from the Kiwis from England, Switzerland, Italy, France and the US.  The whole regatta will be broadcast on TV and streamed live, so you can follow every twist, turn, tack and jibe.

Sail Web has published a quick wrap up of the event will all-important dates. Read more here.

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Published on April 9th, 2024 | by Editor

Gamers welcome at 37th America’s Cup

Published on April 9th, 2024 by Editor -->

The America’s Cup yachting event is taking a leap into the virtual world with the launch of its official simulation video game, AC Sailing, along with its first-ever e-sports world championship, America’s Cup E-series.

AC Sailing is developed from the same physics engine used in the simulators that America’s Cup teams train with to enhance racing tactics and recreate race scenarios, as well as develop and test design ideas and iterations for their race yachts. The game is the culmination of over 10 years of research and development by Emirates Team New Zealand

By making it available, the event seeks heighten public engagement with the oldest trophy in international sports.

“Gamers will get to experience America’s Cup sailing as close to reality as possible like never before,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Event. “We’re thrilled to bring this innovation legacy into the virtual world, elevating the role of sailing within the e-sports ecosystem.”

AC Sailing lets players take command of the foiling AC40 yachts and race against others in online races, as well as honing their skills in time trials and practice modes. The game will feature real-world locations such as Barcelona, the host venue of the 37th America’s Cup, and authentic liveries from the iconic AC40 America’s Cup yachts.

The mechanics of the game have been designed to mimic those on the water, and features a comprehensive tutorial and several aids to allow everyone the chance to enjoy improving their skills up to the level of an America’s Cup sailor and ultimately the opportunity to qualify for the America’s Cup E- Series, a new pathway to the oldest yachting competition.

The America’s Cup E-Series will allow players from around the globe to have the chance to race against each other and claim their place among the America’s Cup legends. The E-series will consist of Online Qualifiers and a Grand Final taking place in Barcelona in September, with exact dates to be determined.

“We think there is potential for the best AC Sailing players to step out of the gaming room and onto the AC40 in real life- just like the Women & Youth sailors have been doing in training for the Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup,” said Emirates Team New Zealand’s Chief Technical Officer Dan Bernasconi

For more information about AC Sailing: https://www.acsailing.com/

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021 , the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022 . The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022 . The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL): • INEOS Britannia (GBR) • Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI) • Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA) • NYYC American Magic (USA) • Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain November 30-December 2 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia August 22-25, 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 Challenger Selection Series August 29-September 8: Double Round Robin September 14-19: Semi Finals (Best of 9) September 26-October 7: Finals (Best of 13)

2024 America’s Cup October 12-21: 37th Match (Best of 13)

For more schedule details, click here . Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup .

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/ Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home

Source: ACE

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How to follow the America’s Cup preliminary regatta

• Toby Heppell
• September 11, 2023

The first America's Cup preliminary regatta raced in AC40s will take place in September 2023 in the Catalonian port of Vilanova i la Geltrú

The six competing teams in the 37th America’s Cup are set to get their first chance to line up competitively against one another at the first America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, from 14-17 September 2023.

The event, which sees the America’s Cup teams move 50km up the coast to Vilanova i La Geltrú from the main event base in Barcelona, includes four days of racing in the AC40 one-design foiling monohull.

Racing begins with official practise on Thursday 14 September, followed by three fleet races on 15 and 16 September, and then two further fleet races on the Sunday before a single match race final. Coverage will be live-streamed via americascup.com as well on The America’s Cup YouTube channel.

The AC40s lined up to test the tech ahead of the Preliminary Regatta, but are yet to officially race. Photo: Ugo Fonollá/America’s Cup

As it is held in the supplied AC40s, rather than the America’s Cup final designs of the AC75 , the Preliminary Regatta will have little direct bearing on the Cup match proper, which takes place 11 months later. However, it is a good opportunity for the teams to bank some foiling race practice, and perhaps glean some indications of whose preparation schedules have been the most fruitful so far.

As with any one-design fleet, the AC40s will put a premium on boat handling, so the one thing the Preliminary Regatta will give some indication of is clues to the sailing teams’ preparation level.

“All the teams are looking forward to lining up in the AC40 against other teams because it’ll give us a good read and a good yardstick on just how our sailors are doing in terms of their technique and the sharpness of their racing skills. It’ll also give us some good feedback on some of the things that we think are fast about the way you sail an AC40; everything from bustle clearance to sail trim. We’ll get a chance to measure those things when AC40s line up against other AC40s,” explains Jeff Causey, INEOS Britannia’s boat operations manager.

Jimmy Spithill explained that even within the one-design there will be variations in set up: “The hardware is exactly the same as the others, and it really comes down to the teams using the controls: cant, ride height, the trim of the boat. Obviously sails and technique, there’s a lot of little things there.”

However, INEOS Britannia’s Leigh McMillan cautioned: “We’re certainly going to put some more time in the AC40s. But the Cup itself, and designing and having a fast boat for the America’s Cup, has got to be our absolute goal. It’s not all about the AC40 for now!”

How do the America’s Cup teams stack up?

Photo: Job Vermeulen/America’s Cup

Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)

The Defenders moved their team from New Zealand to Barcelona this July. Nathan Outteridge and Pete Burling have been taking the dual helms of their AC75 and two AC40s. The Kiwis have performed consistently in the Practice Racing in Barcelona with a tight-knit team that trust in their process.

Photo: Ugo Fonollá/America’s Cup

INEOS Britannia (GBR)

The British squad moved from their winter training base in Palma, and have been trialing a T6 test boat and AC40. Giles Scott is sailing team manager for skipper Ben Ainslie. But it has not been the strongest display from the team in practise racing so far, with execution of manouvers in the AC40 looking less than polished.

Photo: Alex Carabi/America’s Cup

Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)

Vilanova Preliminary Regatta will be the first time Ernesto Bertarelli’s famous Swiss team takes part in an America’s Cup race since 2010, now skippered by Hans- Peter Steinacher. Combined helms, Arnaud Psarofaghis and Maxime Bachelin have formed a dynamic partnership, rooted in steady progression, and Alinghi Red Bull Racing have surprised to the upside in the practice regattas.

Photo: Paul Todd/America’s Cup

American Magic (USA)

Australian Tom Slingsby and Brit Paul Goodison are among the sailing squad headliners. The US team has secured some of the highest number of hours in the AC40s thanks to a two-boat programme. They chose to sit out the first few days of the recent practice regatta, preferring to complete their aero and foil testing schedule, but when they came to the racecourse, they were sensational and already look ones to beat in the one-design class.

Photo: Ivo Rovira/America’s Cup

Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA)

Jimmy Spithill and Francesco Bruni return on the twin wheels of the Italian AC40, though Spithill cautioned they have had less time racing against other boats than some other teams. However, Luna Rossa have been unafraid to ride very different modes to the others and at times have shown unbelievable boatspeed.

Photo: Martin Keruzore/OERT

Orient Express Team (FRA)

The newest team on the block, the French squad were flying on their first AC40 test sail after launching mid-August, skipper Quentin Delapierre crediting the time they put in on the simulator. Whether they can challenge for the title in Vilanova is a tall ask with so little time in the AC40 compared to the more established teams but they should put up a good fight.

America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta schedule

The format of the Regatta will consist of up to 8 fleet races followed by a single Match Race Final between the two highest scoring Competitors in the fleet racing.

Racing will take place on:

• Thursday 14 September Official Practice
• Friday 15 September Race Day 1 – 3 Fleet Races
• Saturday 16 September Race Day 2 – 3 Fleet Races
• Sunday 17 September Race Day 3 – 2 Fleet Races, Match Race Final (1 race).

Racing is scheduled to be between 1530 and 1730 hours each day, though this can be changed if conditions so require.

In preparation for the first preliminary regatta Vilanova i la Geltrú in just 1 month’s time, four teams lined up for the first AC40 races to help test the new RMS and broadcast systems. Photo: Ugo Fonollá / America’s Cup

How to watch the America’s Cup preliminary regatta

The America’s Cup races will be live-streamed across the official America’s Cup website: www.americascup.com as well as available to watch on YouTube in most territories.

This may not be available in territories where broadcast rights have been sold, but as yet there is no information available about broadcast deals, so it is safe to assume most territories will have Youtube access to racing.

The America’s Cup Social Media channels on Instagram , Facebook , and X (Twitter) will also be fully activated and updated throughout the racing with a mix of multi-media. Daily race reports will be available on the America’s Cup website after racing.

You can also follow all of our coverage on Yachting World’s America’s Cup mini site.

For those wishing to watch in Barcelona, the America’s Cup Race Village will offer spectators the chance to experience the unique buzz and atmosphere of the regattas off the water.

The Race Villages free throughout all America’s Cup events, with large maxi screens to view the racing action live with commentary plus event and team activations alongside an array of food and beverage stations.

The Race Village in Vilanova i La Geltrú, will open at 11:00 daily and run through to 20:00 with live racing between 15:00 to 17:30 and sailor presentations and interviews after the racing each day.

When is the next America’s Cup preliminary regatta?

After this first America’s Cup Preliminary regatta, teams head to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a second regatta between 29th November to 2nd December 2023. The third and last preliminary regatta will be held in August 2024 in Barcelona.

As with the first event, the regatta in Saudi Arabia will have racing in AC40s, but the final preliminary event in 2024 will see all the America’s Cup teams race in their new AC75s for the very first time.

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Where are they now? 6 famous America's Cup yachts

1851 schooner america’s sad demise.

In 1851, the schooner America , sailing for the New York Yacht Club, beat the Royal Yacht Squadron and laid claim to its 100 Guinea Cup. Thus the America’s Cup was born – what is now the oldest trophy in international sport – earning its name from that first winning yacht rather than the country, though the US did go on to hold the trophy for 100 years.

Where is America's Cup yacht  America now?

The famous America's cup yacht America changed hands – and names – a few times after the first historic race, and then wound up in the American Civil War as a Union ship. She stayed in the military as a training ship for the Navy until 1873, when she was sold to a former Civil War General for $5,000 (about $98,000 today). The general raced, maintained and refitted the boat, but after his death in 1893, she was passed down to his son who lacked interest in the schooner and allowed her to fall into disrepair. Despite being eventually donated back to the Navy, lack of maintenance left her seriously decayed. The nail was driven into the coffin when a major snowstorm caused the shed she was stored in to collapse in 1945, and America was scrapped and burned, bringing the history of one of the most famous sailing yachts of all times to a close.

America ’s legacy lives on to do this day, and there are replicas of the schooner you can sail on to relive the glory of this historic vessel. Climb aboard the 32 metre America 2.0 replica (pictured in the inset above) in Key West (November-April) and New York (May-October), or on a 42 metre replica out in San Diego .

1930 Shamrock V is still sailing

J Class yachts are synonymous with the America’s Cup as these slim, graceful beauties once represented the fleet racing for the Cup. The 36.42 metre Shamrock V , commissioned by Sir Thomas Lipton for his fifth and final bid, she was the first J Class yacht to compete for the Cup. The fact that she is the only J Class yacht to be built in wood makes it all the more remarkable that Shamrock V is still floating today.

Where is America's Cup yacht  Shamrock V now?

The Camper & Nicholsons -built J is in pretty perfect condition for a lady of her years. J Class yacht  Shamrock V is currently for sale and looking for a good home. The right owner could sail away on this piece of Cup history just in time as the  J Class yachts make a triumphant return to the America's Cup .

1987 movie star Stars & Stripes still racing

While the film Wind , one of the best boat movies , was inspired by Dennis Conner’s experience competing for the America’s Cup in 1983 on board Liberty , the yacht that was actually used in filming was the 12 Metre type sailing yacht Stars & Stripes 87 . She was called Geronimo in the film, but Stars & Stripes 87 was more than a screen legend. When Conner launched his own campaign, he wanted a culmination of all the Stars & Stripes yachts that came before her, and she was designed to be fast in heavy air. Stars & Stripes 87 wound up being the final 12 metre yacht to win the America’s Cup.

Where is the America's Cup yacht  Stars & Stripes 87 now?

Stars & Stripes 87 can be found in the Caribbean now, able to be sailed with the St Maarten 12 Metre Challenge , giving you a chance to take the helm (if you're lucky) of a real Cup winner.

1988 Stars & Stripes multihulls

Paving the way for the high-performance multihull America's Cup yachts that are redefining the competition is  Stars & Stripes – the catamaran. The first America's Cup multihull yacht, the US team's Stars & Stripes came to be by a cunning interpretation of the Deed of Gift, which only stipulated the challenging yachts be single masted and no more than 90 feet LWL. The result was anything but a true match race, with the much faster, wing-masted multihull Stars & Stripes winning the Cup in 1988.

Where are the America's Cup multihull yachts Stars & Stripes now?

Two versions of the multihull Stars & Stripes were built, a soft sail (S1) and a wing-masted yacht (H3). Stars & Stripes (S1) was acquired by American entrepreneur Steve Fossett and used to set speed records around the world before being sold in 2017 to Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages in Key Largo, where she is used for day charters and racing. The actual Cup player, Stars & Stripes (H3) was bought by Mark Reece in Naples, Florida and was used for sailing charter trips, but her current status is unconfirmed.

1994 Stars & Stripes once used as a training yacht by Oracle Team USA

America’s Cup yacht Stars & Stripes (sail number 34) is probably most famous for not winning a Cup. It wasn’t because she didn’t perform under pressure, but because she never got the chance. While the 24 metre yacht, designed by David Peddic and built in 1994 by Goetz Boat Works, won the right to defend the Cup, Dennis Conner chose Young America (US 36) over Stars & Stripes . The new choice was no match for Team New Zealand’s Black Magic , which beat out Team Dennis Conner four times in a row.

Where is America's Cup yachts Stars & Stripes (US 34) now?

Famed America’s Cup Stars & Stripes (US 34) is earning a chance to prove herself on the racecourse yet again. She sails out of Chicago, racing against Abracadabra (US 54). After failing to win the Cup in 2000, this iteration of Abracadabra was bought by Larry Ellison, who used her as a training boat for his Oracle Team USA.

2003 USA 76 still sailing in San Francisco Bay

Sailed by the US challenging team in preparations for the 2003 America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand, USA 76 never made it to the Cup, but she came quite close. Making it to the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup final, USA 76 faced the Swiss Team Alinghi but didn’t come out on top. So the US team arranged for a “rematch” against Alinghi, with two races set in San Francisco Bay. While it didn’t change the results of the Cup, this time USA 76 bested the Swiss competitors twice over.

Where is America’s Cup yacht USA 76 now?

Fittingly, USA 76 resides in San Francisco Bay and is available for sailing. Capture the spirit of the most recent America’s Cup that was raced in the natural amphitheatre of the Bay by climbing aboard USA 76 for a racing adventure under the Golden Gate Bridge.

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In negotiations reminiscent of the PGA and LIV golf, an agreement has been come to by the America’s Cup and SailGP to merge the design of the yachts used on the two high-profile circuits. This cost-saving measure will ensure that teams only have to purchase one type of boat to compete in both events.

It has been a long and torturous path to reach this stage, as finding common ground between the F50 catamaran and the AC40 / AC75 monohull yachts was complex, but compromise was found, settling on the ACSGP 51.25 proa.

The main hull will have a foil arm, while the outrigger will have a T-foil, as has been tested recently in the SailGP F50.

Sail configuration was another sticking point, with the double-skinned mainsail favoured by the America’s Cup contingent, and solid wings by the SailGP representatives. In the end the solution was found in having a solid jib, combined with a longer section wing mast, still accommodating the twin main solution.

A joint statement from the ACSGP working group stated, “This was committee thinking at its finest. None of us went into the room looking for a middle ground, as we’re an obstinate bunch, but by thinking out of the box, embracing blue sky thinking and pushing the envelope, we’ve managed to accommodate all of our favourite features into the new ACSGP 51.25. The outcome is beautiful… in its own way.”

The boat design was just the first hurdle for ACSGP. The courses were another can of worms, which ironically became a eureka moment for the working group. By opening said can of worms, and seeing how they fell, plus being inspired by the can itself, the solution became clear: around the cans racing.

“We’ve been wanting to be relevant to the weekend warriors for a long time, so by setting the ACSGP 51.25 proas on random courses around existing navigation buoys we will do exactly that. Everyone will relate to it,” added a spokesperson for the ACSGP working group.

A favourite line of stadium racer commentators in the foiling age has been, “Look at the speeds”, which hasn’t always lined up with television production teams displaying the speeds on screen. This is a conundrum which until now has been tricky to overcome, as displaying the speed data in kilometres per hour, miles per hour, metres per second, feet per minute, as a percentage of the speed of light, and occasionally in knots, takes up a lot of screen space.

The new ACSGP 51.25 proas will have the speeds displayed on the solid jib, thanks to the latest in OLED display technology. You will literally be able to look at the speeds the entire time. Commentators will now be able to use the phrase with abandon, so expect to hear it far, far more often.

Sailing venues are always a point of contention, and the financial and environmental cost of shipping yachts is proving prohibitive, but the venues themselves are a vital revenue source for the circuit. How would it be possible solve this dilemma?

“The answer was literally screaming at us, or should I say screening – green screening,” chuckled the working group spokesman. “We can hold the racing in one place, then superimpose the venue in the background.”

This does bring up the question of how the crowd and hospitality will be managed, but the spokesman explained all is in hand:

“With SailGP we’re already used to having the commentary and umpiring being run remotely at Ealing in London. With Wembley Stadium just a couple of kilometres from our offices, we can put up a big screen and have remote supporters. These big stadiums are well set up for corporate hospitality as well. It is a simple and elegant solution, and we can record their reactions instead of using canned applause.”

After their success in merging events in sailing, the ACSGP working group have turned their attention to golf, to help conclude the stalled negotiations between the PGA and LIV. They have already designed a ‘one size fits all’ golf club, which can be used for any type of shot, negating the need for caddies. Their attention has now turned to the ball, which their focus group says needs to be bigger. Much bigger.

“Sailing and golf are just the beginning of our sporting revolution. Tennis has turned to padel and pickleball, athletics has become the rebooted TV series Gladiators, so I think football (or soccer for our American friends) will be our next challenge. After the obvious first step of introducing multiball, the sky’s the limit!” concluded the ACSGP spokesman.

… And a Happy April Fool’s Day

• ACSGP 51.25
• Americas Cup

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Watch America’s Cup sailors battle out for the first AC Sailing regatta

LIVE STREAMED ON TWITCH FROM BARCELONA AT 6:20 PM CET

LIVE STREAMED ON  TWITCH  FROM BARCELONA AT 6:20 PM CET

AC Sailing, the ultimate regatta simulator built on actual simulation technology used by America’s Cup teams, will be available for free download on Epic Store and Steam from today April 9 th , 19:00 CET

America’s Cup E-series will be the first e-sports league by the iconic sailing competition, attracting top virtual sailors from around the world to claim their place among America’s Cup legends.

Barcelona, 9th April 2024.- America’s Cup, the pinnacle of international yachting, is taking a leap into the virtual world with the launch of its official simulation videogame, AC Sailing, along with its first-ever e-sports world championship, America’s Cup E-series.

AC Sailing is developed from the same physics engine used in the very simulators that America’s Cup teams train with to enhance racing tactics and recreate race scenarios, as well as develop and test design ideas and iterations for their race yachts. It is set to revolutionize the future of sailing in e-sports, creating an exciting opportunity for fans worldwide to engage with the oldest trophy in international sports in an entirely new way.

Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Event, said, “Creating a full simulation game from a simulator that our sailors and designers use in the real America’s Cup world is really exciting. Gamers will get to experience America’s Cup sailing as close to reality as possible like never before”

. “The America’s Cup has always been at the forefront of pushing boundaries of what’s possible in sailing. We’re thrilled to bring this innovation legacy into the virtual world, elevating the role of sailing within the e-sports ecosystem as we expand our footprint to become the most inclusive sailing competition of all times”.

AC Sailing lets players take command of high-tech foiling AC40 yachts and race against others in breath-taking online races, as well as honing their skills in time trials and practice modes. The game will feature real-world locations such as Barcelona, the host venue of the 37th America’s Cup, and authentic liveries from the iconic AC40 America’s Cup yachts.

The game is the culmination of over 10 years of research and development by Emirates Team New Zealand, the current Defender of the America’s Cup, which helped the team win and retain the cup over the last two editions.

According to Emirates Team New Zealand’s Chief Technical Officer Dan Bernasconi, “By combining ultra-realistic gameplay with powerful graphics, we’re able to transport players to the centre of the action, allowing them to experience the thrill and complexity of competitive sailing like never before. AC Sailing is built on the powerful ‘Gomboc’ physics engine developed within Emirates Team New Zealand and used by most America’s Cup teams for yacht design and sailor training”.

The mechanics of the game have been designed to mimic those on the water, providing a great opportunity for both sailors and sim game players to put their skills to the test. The game features a comprehensive tutorial and several aids to allow everyone the chance to enjoy improving their skills up to the level of an America’s Cup sailor and ultimately the opportunity to qualify for the America’s Cup E- Series, a new pathway to the oldest yachting competition.

AMERICA’S CUP E-SERIES, A NEW PATHWAY TO THE OLDEST YACHTING COMPETITION

The America's Cup E-Series will allow players from around the globe will have the chance to race against each other and claim their place among the America's Cup legends. The E-series will consist of Online Qualifiers and a Grand Final taking place in Barcelona in September, with exact dates yet to be revealed.

Powered by AC Sailing as its official videogame, the first season of the America's Cup E-series will be open to all gamers. The final events will be live streamed on Twitch for a global audience, marking a historical moment for the America's Cup and the sailing community at large.

“We think there is potential for the best AC Sailing players to step out of the gaming room and onto the AC40 in real life- just like the Women & Youth sailors have been doing in training for the Puig Women’s America’s Cup and the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup.” said Bernasconi.

AMERICA’S CUP AND GENERALITAT DE CATALUNYA, A TECHNOLOGICAL PARTNERSHIP

The process of creating the official video game of the America's Cup has been supported by ACCIÓ – the agency for business competitiveness of the Generalitat de Catalunya – which has facilitated the participation of a Catalan studio in the creation of the game. This participation exemplifies the potential of the video game sector in Catalonia, the leading region in the European Union in terms of attracting foreign investment in this area. According to ACCIÓ data, there are more than 200 video game companies in Catalonia, employing almost 4,000 workers and with a combined turnover of more than 500 million euros.

Roger Torrent i Ramió, the Minister of Business and Labour from the Government of Catalonia, stated, "Another great opportunity that hosting a global event such as the America's Cup offers us is the ability to showcase Catalonia's emerging potential in sectors such as video games. This industry is growing in Catalonia through foreign investment, but also thanks to local talent, such as those who have participated in this project." Additionally, Torrent emphasized that "AC Sailing will also be available in Catalan, which is an important milestone in increasing the presence of our language in this industry."

“The Generalitat de Catalunya via ACCIÓ continues to leverage the technological opportunities that the event provides and has been a very willing partner in the development of the AC Sailing game.” Said America’s Cup Event CEO Grant Dalton.

AC Sailing is available for free download on PC through the Epic Store and Steam platforms, allowing for in-game cosmetic purchases. The game will be updated with new content, as additional locations, skins and a single-player AI match race are expected to be added during the upcoming months.

For more information about AC Sailing, visit www.acsailing.com

Watch the LIVE STREAM LAUNCH here from 18:20 CET April 9th