I know it's not everyones cup of tea but I have always found the ebb and flow of tech, money and ego fascinating. And the America's Cup is never without controversy, and it's already game on, again.
No grinders, all electric onboard this time round... WTF?
Pete Burling signs with Luna Rossa... WTdoubleF?
The Cup will be in Naples, Italy... $$$$$splashed
The Brits, Swiss and Yanks are complaining... predictable as ever
Nate Outeridge is lead helm on ETNZ... Go aussie!
I'm another fan and agree always drama.
Teams complaining about delay of releasing protocols.
I was surprised by the switch to full battery power for trimming and TNZ have previously had an advantage with cyclors!
That leads on to the change in crew with a woman and youth on board making 6 crew from 8 where 4 were cyclors and that's going to reduce crew weight.
Pete with Luna Rosa is a major. Grant Dalton didn't want him doing Sail GP full time, although other TNZ crew can. Or not enough money? Pete is smart and will boost the Italians chance of winning.
I heard there will be a spot for " Guest racer"!
NZ Government and Auckland council wouldn't cough up enough money to defend the cup in Auckland. Apparently not a good look to fund hosting a rich man's sport but it would have been a massive boost to economy!
Nate is married to Kiwi living here and he's awesome sailor 
The animosity was short lived, all hugs and kisses now. Looks like the same boats with mods and less crew, some different course layouts and fleet racing, a spend limit... Selling my good kidney soon and figuring out the best place to stay in Naples in Oct 27'.
America's Cup: Protocol signing confirmed - a "ground breaking" partnership share.google/FT1afaQBilUEM0RD3
A bit of history, have never seen this footage before. Had a mate that was involved in the build and shore crew, the stories were as astounding as the ambition to create this beast.
That's a crazy beast!
This day 1983 Australia 2 won the America's Cup 
Now TNZ Skipper Nathan and helm now back doing SailGP after Pete leaving because he couldn't.
Interesting article on time restraints with Sail GP and AC.
Clash looms in 2027 between SailGP and America's Cup share.google/7b9BXIZTF2wVhk3Vp
Saw the article about the potential clash in 2027. I think it's great that pro sailing has reached the level where there is this level of opportunity.
As for Pete B not sailing in the Cup for LR, don't rule it out with Jimmy as coach in the wings... possible master strike against ETNZ.
And good to see Artemis back in full view with yet another Aussie at the helm of a GP cat
American Magic Exits America's Cup share.google/x3TNxZJbgGX9ZHR0y
American Magic announced they won't be in Naples. Possibly waiting for the cup to change hands? Reckon the French could attempt to buy the AM assets now the yanks are out. The Patriot package appeared to have very good potential that wasn't fully realised. Wonder if Tom Slingsby will get a ride?
Athena (GB), Luna Rossa (Italy) and Orient Express (France) have all indicated they are in. No word from the Swiss but I'd be surprised if they'll turn up for another whipping. All sounds like rinse and repeat from Barcelona. Maybe if Luna Rossa can get over ETNZ, we could see foils gone and a new generation of keeled yacht?
And looks like the Cup will be raced in July, max tourist season, max dollars on the sweltering Amalfi coast...
Yeah, bit disappointing not to have an American team in the Americas Cup.
Reading one of the SAILWORD articles it came down to some of the financial backers pulling out.
I think that their recumbent cyclors couldn't get the same power output when really needed.
Now that's changed I think Patriot would have been very competitive with that hull and Tom steering and with the rules changed there is a chance for him to be on a boat.
Sad the Swiss won't be there, the only team to brake two masts 
I hope Naples will be a great event
www.americascup.com/news/3854_THE-GUEST-RACER-COCKPIT-ON-THE-AC75-THE-MOST-COVETED-RIDE-IN-SPORT-TODAY
I suppose getting rid of the grinders opens up space on the existing hulls they will be reusing. So there's room for influencers, billionaires or some other form of dead weight. Doesn't seem very high performance though, more like a tacky attention grabbing idea from marketing to fill a merry go round.
So AM might be gone but there's now a flicker of life for a new American challenger. Riptide Racing, jeez you think these blokes would get together, talk a little and pool resources...
www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/2025/12/04/riptide-racing-aims-for-americas-cup/
AC2027 teams as it stands
Defender
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL)
Challenger of Record
Athena Racing (GBR)
Challengers
Luna Rossa (ITA)
Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI)
K-Challenge (FRA)
No US team at this late stage. The richest country on the planet with some of the best sailors, yacht designers and boatbuilders can't find the will to turn up to a competition it named after itself. Guessing the little island nation just got too hard to compete against.
