Despite talk of greater collaboration between teams, secrecy remains woven into the fabric of the America’s Cup.
When the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Sardinia begins in Cagliari from 21 to 24 May 2026, the language around the event may emphasise partnership and shared governance. On the water, the priority remains performance and protection of intellectual advantage.
This regatta marks the first racing of the new cycle. Teams will compete in equalised AC40 yachts, four sailors per boat, with fleet racing leading to a match race final between the top two. The platforms are identical, but the fleet will find itself separated by execution.
There are no new hull launches at this stage of the cycle. Development advantage now sits within control systems, mechanical refinement, sail configuration, and crew coordination. Much of that work cannot be observed from shore, and teams remain guarded in how they approach it.
As Giulio Bertelli recently stated, “Everything is valuable. Everything is of value to someone else.”
The road to Naples begins in Sardinia. Cagliari will offer the first reliable comparison ahead of Naples 2027. Teams will analyse how competitors accelerate out of manoeuvres, how stable they remain in flight, and how consistently they manage transitions in different wind strengths.
