Overview

• The draft Protocol mandates each AC75 team to include at least one woman and one sailor under the age of 25, marking a significant shift in crew composition requirements.
• Proposed changes reduce onboard crew from eight to six, replace human-powered energy systems with electric battery packs, and allow a guest ‘7th man’ on board.
• Nationality rules are relaxed, permitting two foreign sailors per team, provided they did not compete in the previous America’s Cup edition.
• Challenger teams, including American Magic and Athena Racing, have criticized Team New Zealand for a lack of transparency and unilateral decision-making about the Protocol and venue agreements.
• Youth and Women's regattas using AC40 boats, along with preliminary races in 2026 and early 2027, are confirmed as part of the event schedule.