Mixed crews introduced for 2027 America’s Cup

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 Tuesday.

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 euros ($87.1 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 added in a statement.

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.