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INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY
The America’s Cup stands at the forefront of technological advancement and engineering excellence in competitive sailing, embodying a dynamic fusion of sport and innovation. Yacht development is an interdisciplinary collaboration, drawing on partnerships with engineering powerhouses, including Formula 1TM teams, to pioneer advancements in material sciences, aerodynamics, and hydrodynamics. Sailing teams reflect this diversity, blending expertise not only from the world’s best sailors but also from disciplines such as cycling, rowing, aeronautics and other sports, creating an environment where varied skill sets converge to achieve excellence.
These innovations have far-reaching impacts extending beyond the competition. Hydrogen-powered boats, and now eChase Boats, developed through America's Cup research, are leading advancements in sustainable maritime technology, and novel analysis and visualisation tools help to understand weather and wind patterns at never-before-seen resolution. Additionally, the widespread adoption of simulators have taken sailing to another level and allowed teams to optimise strategy and performance without touching the water.
The America’s Cup is more than a race; it is a platform for groundbreaking innovation with the potential to inspire global audiences across industries, sports interests, and generations. The America’s Cup showcases the intersection of sport and science, proving that excellence on water starts with innovation on land.
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THE BOATS
AC75: A FLYING MONOHULLThe AC75 showcases innovation that redefines sailing for the modern era and represents a leap in sailing technology. Equipped with hydrofoils, the yachts achieve incredible speeds by lifting the hull above the water, minimising drag. A network of sensors delivers real-time data for optimal performance, while groundbreaking sail designs maximise aerodynamics.
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THE TEAMS
CHASING SAILING’S PINNACLEThe America’s Cup teams embody interdisciplinary collaboration, uniting expertise on and off the water.
Engineers, software specialists, boat builders, and many other experts innovate with marine, aeronautic, and emerging technologies to push boundaries in yacht design. Teams on the water are highly trained with many from deep-engineering backgrounds as well as Olympic and World Champions. These crews are paving pathways for women and youth sailors, fostering inclusivity and fresh talent in competitive sailing.
Together, they redefine what’s possible in sports and engineering.
DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT
PUSHING BOUNDARIES AND CONVENTIONS
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FOILS & WINGS
The introduction of hydrofoils revolutionised the sport, enabling boats to lift above the water, reducing drag, and achieving speeds exceeding 50 knots. With the help of cutting-edge sail designs and the application of novel material technologies, sailing has been redefined beyond anything that could have been conceived at the competition’s inception in 1851.
The plethora of real-time data provides experts with feedback and input as well as opportunities for immersive broadcasting technologies bringing fans closer to the action than ever. -
SIMULATORS
On-shore training is just as important as on-water practice. Cutting-edge simulators emulate the real-life experience and allow the teams to train in controlled, simulated conditions. The innovations and technologies also lead to the inclusion of non-pro athletes and spin-offs such as the America's Cup e-Series.
Additionally, visitors and spectators are also getting a feel for the thrilling on-water action by experiencing the simulators themselves. -
SPEED RECORDS
During the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, the recorded top speed was achieved by INEOS Britannia during Race 8 on Race Day 5 of the Louis Vuitton Cup Final. The boat reached a record speed of 55.6 knots (102.97 km/h).
Similarly, the AC40s have demonstrated exhilarating performances too: With top speeds reaching around 45 knots during the regattas in lower wind conditions and a measured top speed of 50.09 knots (92.77 km/h) in training.
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HYDROGEN & eCHASE BOATS
With sustainability at the forefront of the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, a new stipulation in the Protocol that governs the event mandates that all teams must operate either a hydrogen fuelled chase boat or a new eChase Boat powered by electricity. In the last America’s Cup, all the teams had hydrogen-powered chase boats, with Emirates Team New Zealand leading the way in this groundbreaking innovation.
The vessel, named ’Chase Zero’, ran on two 80kW Toyota hydrogen fuel cells—one in each hull—which supplied most of the boat's energy needs. The hydrogen (H2) molecules were processed through a catalyst to fuel the engines, leaving behind H+ ions. These ions then bonded with oxygen from the surrounding air, producing nothing but pure water (H2O) as the sole emission.
For 2027 again the race is on to build advanced eChase Boats and take electric power to the next level. What the teams will come up with is sure to attract attention and place the America’s Cup once again at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.
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TECHNOLOGY AND BROADCAST
VISUALISING THE UNSEENAmerica’s Cup Media delivered the most accessible event in the more than 175-year history of the regatta. Breakthrough broadcasting and visualisation technologies open up the event’s complexities, making it engaging for all audiences. These emerging technologies enhance the overall viewing experience for both viewers with various backgrounds and sailing experts.
One such innovation is WindSight IQ™, which uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) sensor fusion and advanced computation to visualise wind patterns in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) graphics. Additionally, VirtualEye offers data-driven replays of each race, allowing fans and media to analyse and relive the regatta's key moments.