The French AC75 has been relaunched ahead of the 38th America’s Cup, marking another milestone for the French AC75 campaign. France remains the only challenger competing in two consecutive America’s Cup cycles with the same team, now backed by La Roche-Posay and focussed on science, innovation, and performance.
Although the hull is the same boat raced in 2024, it has undergone major modifications to comply with new rules. Key changes include reducing the crew from eight sailors to five, redesigning cockpit layouts and control systems, and replacing cyclist-powered hydraulics with battery-powered energy systems.
At nearly 23 metres long, the AC75 can exceed 50 knots while flying on foils. Development efforts now focus on system integration, energy efficiency, reliability, flight control, aerodynamics, and foil performance rather than building an entirely new yacht.
According to technical director Antoine Carraz, the relaunch marks the transition from simulation and engineering work to real-world testing, with early sailing focused on validating systems, safety, and reliability before pursuing maximum performance.
The team will train in Lorient through the summer, relocate to Naples later in 2026, and begin preparations for the 2027 America’s Cup campaign.
www.americascup.com/teams/80_La-Roche-Posay-Racing-Team
La Roche-Posay Racing Team’s 2026 Programme
| Dates | Programme |
|---|---|
| 29 June to 17 July | Training in Lorient |
| 1–14 August | Training in Lorient |
| Mid-August to end of September | Move to Naples |
| 24–27 September | Naples Preliminary Regatta in the AC40 class |
| October | Start of sailing in Naples, host city of the 38th America’s Cup |
