America’s Cup : les dernières infos Tip & Shaft

A surprise to some observers, fully expected by others, there will be an American team in the next America’s Cup. Officially announced on Tuesday, American Racing Challenger Team USA is backed by successful entrepreneurs Karel Komarek, the Czech businessman who has campaigned a Wally 100 footer V for the last four years and British entrepreneur Chris Welch.

Two weeks after announcing that she was withdrawing from the 2026 Route du Rhum-Destination Guadeloupe at the helm of the Ocean Fifty Koesio, Audrey Ogereau has been selected by K-Challenge for the 2027 Women’s America’s Cup. More than enough reasons for Sailorz to sit down with the 33-year-old sailor.

K-Challenge revealed on Tuesday in Lorient the new title partner of the French challenge for the America’s Cup, La Roche Posay, as well as part of the technical and sailing team, which includes Amélie Grassi. A surprise, given that the 31-year-old sailor had until now primarily made her mark in offshore racing, and an opportunity for Sailorz to talk with her.

On Wednesday, Naples hosted the official presentation of the 38th America’s Cup, with the match between the New Zealand defender and the winner of the Challenger Series set to take place from 10 to 18 July 2027. Before the final closing date for entries on 31 January, five challengers have been officially registered, including Tudor Team Alinghi, the new name of the Swiss team that withdrew during the course of last year.

American Magic announced on Tuesday, October 28, that they would not be participating in the 38th America’s Cup in 2027 in Naples. To find out more about this withdrawal, Sailorz spoke with the French engineer Dimitri Despierres, head of the mechatronics department for the US challenge.

The Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup was unveiled in August, with several major changes, including the event being held every two years. Stephan Kandler, co-director of K-Challenge, which supports both the Orient Express Racing Team and the French SailGP team, explains the new rules for Tip & Shaft and discusses this dual project, one week before the SailGP French Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez (12-13 September).

Seven months after winning the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, Emirates Team New Zealand announced on Thursday that the next edition will be held in Naples in spring/summer 2027. Pending publication of the Protocol, this announcement gives potential challengers a clearer picture.

The 37th America’s Cup came to a close last Saturday with Emirates Team New Zealand’s clear 7-2 victory over Ineos Britannia. Tip & Shaft takes stock of this edition with architects Guillaume Verdier, Martin Fischer, Sam Manuard, Benjamin Muyl and Antoine Lauriot Prévost, and engineer Dimitri Despierres.

The 37th America’s Cup Match kicks off on Sunday in Barcelona between Ineos Britannia, winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup, and defender Emirates Team New Zealand, who will be aiming for a three-peat. Tip & Shaft was assisted in its assessment by Franck Cammas, performance director of Orient Express Racing Team, Nicolas Charbonnier, helmsman/trimmer of Alinghi Red Bull Racing, Dimitri Despierres, head of American Magic’s mechatronics department, and Philippe Presti, coach with Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.

From 5th to 13th October in Barcelona, using the same format as for the Youth, six crews from the challenges competing in the 37th America’s Cup as well as six invited crews will compete in the AC40 on the Puig Women’s America’s Cup. Tip & Shaft takes a look at this first for women.

The Louis Vuitton Cup came to an end on Monday for Orient Express Racing Team with a final defeat by Ineos Britannia, which denied them a place in the semi-finals. It was a disappointment for the French challenge, but a logical one given its late start to this America’s Cup campaign. Tip & Shaft takes a first look at the situation, with the challenger’s executives and a few outside experts.  

At 58, Thierry Fouchier is one of the most experienced French sailors when it comes to the America’s Cup, with six participations to his name, including victory in 2010 with the Americans on BMW Oracle. Now back as a consultant for the Canal + group, which is broadcasting the 37th edition, the sailor from Marseilles talks to Tip & Shaft about the forces at play as the Louis Vuitton Cup, the elimination round between the five challengers.