Today marks a major milestone on the road to sailing's greatest prize: one year until the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup Match gets underway in Naples, Italy.
On 10 July 2027, two AC75s will line up on the start line in the Bay of Naples. One will be the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand. The other will be the challenger that emerges victorious from the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series.
Two years ago in Barcelona, Britain reached the America's Cup Match for the first time, with Sir Ben Ainslie and Dylan Fletcher at the helm, in more than 60 years following an outstanding Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series campaign. It was a landmark achievement for British sailing!
Now, with Naples on the horizon, the countdown is well and truly on for GB1.
With just twelve months remaining, every day counts. The work taking place behind the scenes from design and engineering to testing, sailing and performance analysis is focused on one objective: earning the right to once again represent the Challenger in the America's Cup Match.
Dylan Fletcher, GB1 Helm, said:
"Reaching the America's Cup Match in Barcelona was a huge milestone for British sailing, but everyone in this team is focused on what's next. We know what it takes to compete at this level, and over the next twelve months every decision, every training session and every gain we make will be about putting ourselves in the best possible position to get back to the Match in Naples.
The America's Cup is the toughest challenge in our sport. That's what drives us every day. We're building on everything we've learned, pushing ourselves to improve in every area, and we're excited for what's ahead. We know how much support there is behind this team, and we're determined to make Britain proud over the next year."
The America's Cup is won long before the starting sequence begins. Thousands of hours of innovation, relentless preparation and countless marginal gains will shape the campaign over the coming year. Every development, every training session and every decision has one purpose: to build the fastest boat and the strongest team possible.
Naples will provide a spectacular stage for the 38th America's Cup. Its rich maritime heritage, passionate sporting culture and iconic coastline will welcome the world's best sailors for a historic edition of the event—the first America's Cup Match to be sailed in Italy.
The destination is clear. The work continues.
One year to go.
Follow the road to Naples: https://www.americascup.com/38th-americascup