The 38th America’s Cup Match will start on Saturday 10 July 2027 and is scheduled to conclude between 17–18 July 2027, with the first one-design AC40 preliminary regatta taking place in Cagliari, Sardinia on 21–24 May 2026. Organisers plan up to three preliminary events in 2026, with each AC40 regatta offering up to 10 races across four days and a winner-takes-all final between the top two teams.
Key dates and venues
The ACP calendar now includes fixed windows for the Match and preliminary regattas that will shape team logistics, equipment transit and accommodation planning for competitors, media and travelling fans.
| Event | Датум | Локација |
|---|---|---|
| AC40 Preliminary Regatta 1 | 21–24 May 2026 | Cagliari, Sardinia |
| 38th America’s Cup Match | 10–17/18 July 2027 | Host city (Naples confirmed as early organiser venue) |
| Challenger Selection Series | Dates TBC | TBC |
Logistical implications at a glance
With AC40s being one-design, freight planning will focus on the movement of support equipment, sails and shore-side tooling rather than bespoke hulls. Host-city infrastructure in Каљари and the Match venue must support craneage, quarantine berths for AC40s and dedicated berthing areas for support and spectator craft, while local authorities manage spectator safety during high-wind “shoulder season” conditions.
GB1 and crew appointments
The British Challenger, now branded GB1 and representing the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, confirmed that Olympic gold medallist and SailGP champion Дилан Флечер will helm their AC38 campaign. Sir Бен Енсли retains the title of Team Principal for GB1 after the rebrand from Athena Racing and INEOS Britannia roots.
- Дилан Флечер — confirmed helm for AC38
- Бен Енсли — Team Principal; role on-water yet to be finalised
- Women’s and Youth programmes — led by Hannah Mills as helm and Team Principal for the Athena Pathway
British talent pipeline
Applications opened for the British Youth Team targeting sailors born between 1 July 2001 and 1 July 2008, reflecting the ACP’s emphasis on pathway programmes. The Athena Pathway retains separate branding and funding streams from GB1, enabling targeted investment in both elite and development squads.
Funding, partners and crew movement
Commercial structures are evolving: GB1 disclosed majority investment from Оакли Капитал, led by yachtsman Pete Dubens, and ownership links to North Technology Group which includes North Sails и Southern Spars. Other teams have confirmed title partners — notably Emirates renewing with the defenders — while some challengers remain without a full title sponsor.
- Funding mix: private equity, corporate sponsors, and in some cases founder investment.
- Crew mobility: nationality rule relaxations have increased athlete transfers between campaigns.
- Commercial implications: title sponsorships remain critical to cover operational costs and logistics for AC75 and AC40 fleets.
Notable personnel moves
Key transfers in the professional sailing and SailGP ecosystem continue to reshape team rosters; for example, Iain Jensen departed the British SailGP roster for another team, illustrating the market for top trimmers and specialists.
Event format and spectator considerations
The AC38 Match window concentrates racing into a compact period that benefits broadcast scheduling and tourist planning. For travellers, the Sardinia prelims in May offer an enjoyable shoulder-season visit where winds can produce dramatic sailing and local tourism businesses can accommodate race spectators and crew supporters.
Spectator logistics include managed spectator craft zones, shore viewing platforms, and the coordination of hospitality yachts and charter services — areas where organisers and local authorities must cooperate closely to balance access and safety.
For visitors planning to combine sailing action with local culture, the Naples and Cagliari schedules create opportunities for tailored shore excursions and themed travel packages tied to the regattas.
On GetExperience, you book your experience from verified providers at reasonable prices. The platform allows full and secure payments with voucher confirmation issued afterward and the option to submit requests for tours or excursions tailored specifically to your needs, helping you receive offers that match your preferences. For those heading to Naples or Sardinia, GetExperience offers a diverse selection of local tours and shore-side activities to suit varied tastes and budgets—Book now GetExperience.com
Key highlights: AC38 dates are fixed for July 2027, AC40 prelims begin in Cagliari in May 2026, and GB1 has secured Dylan Fletcher as helm amid ongoing funding and personnel moves. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t replace first-hand experience. On GetExperience, you book your experience from verified providers at reasonable prices, enjoying transparency, convenience and a wide range of additional options to help plan match-related travel and excursions—Book now GetExperience.com
In summary, the AC38 schedule tightens team logistics and travel planning while offering rich travel experiences for fans: from adventure activities and yacht parties to cruise packages and safari tours for those extending holidays. The AC40 prelims in Sardinia present a chance for museum tours with live guides, interactive online cultural workshops and exclusive yacht charters for events. Whether you seek luxury adventure travel experiences, eco-friendly wildlife safaris, beginner esports coaching sessions or professional esports training programs to unwind on travel layovers, combining competitive sailing with tailored local experiences makes for memorable trips. Travel experiences, adventure rafting trips for beginners and interactive options are all part of the modern regatta tourist offer; planning ahead ensures access to the best excursions and avoids disappointment.
AC38 zakazana za jul 2027, a Dilan Flečer potvrdio da će biti kormilar GB1">