emirates Team New Zealand has expanded its sailing crew by four as it resumes on-water training with its AC40 in Auckland,marking a important step in preparations for the 2027 America’s Cup in Naples. This marks the first time the team has sailed the AC40 in Auckland since competing in the America’s Cup in Barcelona last year.
The team joins Luna Rossa and France’s K-Challenge in returning to sailing their AC40s, with training governed by specific regulations set by the America’s Cup event authority. Teams are currently permitted to have two AC40s on the water for a maximum of 35 days until July 1, 2025, followed by another 35 days of training before the Naples event. These limitations are in place to manage advancement of the scaled-down vessels.
Restrictions also apply to the larger AC75 class boats, with teams limited to 45 days of sailing between January 15, 2025, and January 14, 2027. These constraints aim to balance competitive development with cost control as teams gear up for the challenge in Naples.
The article was written by Christopher Reive, who joined the Herald sports team in 2017.
