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To broaden the audience for the 37th America’s Cup, the New Zealand defending champions have launched the America’s Cup e-Series. Powered by the PC game AC Sailing, players will not only compete for a €50,000 prize pool, but will also have the opportunity to race an AC40 yacht against the winning Youth America’s Cup team.

Developed by Emirates Team New Zealand, AC Sailing uses the same simulation technology used by America’s Cup competitors to provide an authentic and immersive sailing experience.

“The America’s Cup e-Series is about breaking down barriers and bringing the excitement of America’s Cup racing to everyone,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of the America’s Cup. “By bridging the virtual and the physical, we are offering gamers an unprecedented opportunity to experience the thrill of sailing an AC40, a dream previously only available to professional sailors.”

The competition will begin with online qualifiers from July 31 to September 14, culminating in the grand finale on September 28 in Barcelona. Eight finalists will compete for the title of America’s Cup e-Series champion and a share of the €50,000 prize pool.

The top two finishers in the e-Series Championship will then have the opportunity to go from virtual champions to real sailors. They will complete a three-day training programme that includes simulator sessions and hands-on experience on the AC40 before competing against the winning team of the inaugural Unicredit Youth America’s Cup.

“This is more than just an e-sailing competition; it’s a testament to the innovative spirit of the America’s Cup,” said Dan Bernasconi, Technical Director of Team New Zealand. “The e-Series brings the competition full circle, providing gamers and aspiring sailors with a powerful platform to develop their skills and experience the intensity of America’s Cup racing first-hand.”

The America’s Cup e-Series begins with six rounds of online qualifying, with the winners of each round joining two wildcards to compete in the grand finale in Barcelona. For full information on the competition format and how to register, visit www.americascup.com/e-series.

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on 17 November 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalised on 17 March 2022. The entry period was from 1 December 2021 to 31 July 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup could still be accepted until 31 May 2023. The defending champion was due to announce the venue of the match on 17 September 2021, but postponed the announcement and finally confirmed Barcelona on 30 March 2022. The 37th America’s Cup will begin on 12 October 2024.

The following teams will challenge defending champions Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

Provisional Regattas 2023-24
14.-17. September 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
30 November – 2 December (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
22 – 25 August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, ​​​​Spain

Challenger Selection Series 2024
29 August – 8 September: Double Round Robin
14 – 19 September: Semifinals (Best of 9)
26 September – 7 October: Final (Best of 13)

America’s Cup 2024
October 12th – 21st: 37th game (Best of 13)

In addition, 12 teams will participate in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Event details: www.americascup.com/en/home