Making magic in Pensacola

The 38th America’s Cup has no venue or Protocol, the A75 Class Rule has not been released, the Challenger of Record had a messy divorce, yet Defender Team New Zealand wants to hold the racing in 2027. Considering an AC75 can take up to 18 months to build following significant design time, the math is starting to not add up.

All possible Challengers remain on the sidelines, yet the third campaign by the New York Yacht Club American Magic team seems imminent as construction is underway for their headquarters in Pensacola, FL. In February 2024, the city approved a 10-year lease which carries an option to extend another 10 years.

Terms of the lease include requiring the team to maintain occupancy of the building with 120 new jobs for at least four years or pay a $3 million penalty. Violations in the lease also include failing to host an America’s Cup regatta in Pensacola if the team has won the America’s Cup. – Full report

Details: https://www.americascup.com/

Defender New Zealand will work with the Challenger of Record from Great Britain to organize the 38th America’s Cup. Anticipated to be held in 2027, the two teams have agreed on some details with the venue to be confirmed by June 2025 after Barcelona declined hosting another edition.