PREVIOUS RACE: PR 1—SARDINIA /// 21–24 MAY 2026 /// 38TH AMERICA'S CUP

For Emirates Team New Zealand, the regatta was an important milestone on the “Road to Napoli 2027”, and the team came away with an overall second place and a fifth for the Women’s and Youth team. Additionally, the team managed to use the event for additional training and crew development. 

The Preliminary Regatta started on 21 May with a welcome ceremony by the city and the official Press Conference. Across three days of racing on the Gulf of Angels, Emirates Team New Zealand fielded both its senior team and its Women's & Youth crew in a series of highly competitive fleet races. Race Day 1 had showed the potential of the AC40 s right away and both teams delivered great results, with Race Day 2 bringing them to a promising path to the all-deciding final. With consistently close racing, frequent lead changes and only fine margins separating the teams, every position on the racecourse proved critical. The senior crew, helmed by Nathan Outteridge, secured a place in the winner-takes-all Match Race Final after finishing second in the fleet racing standings, while the Women's & Youth crew continued to build valuable experience, showcased a consistent performance throughout the event and demonstrating strong progression against some of the world's best sailors.

The regatta concluded with a match race between Emirates Team New Zealand and home favourites Luna Rossa. After an aggressive pre-start, Luna Rossa gained the early advantage and converted it into victory in front of their home crowd, with Emirates Team New Zealand finishing as overall runner-up. The team has come away with many learnings for the new crew configurations at the Preliminary Regatta, and the event delivered exactly what it was designed to achieve: invaluable racing experience, extensive performance data, and clear areas for further development as preparations continue towards the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in Naples in 2027.

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FAQ – HOW DO THE PRELIMINARY REGATTAS WORK?

What is the America's Cup Preliminary Regatta?
The Preliminary Regattas are a series of official America's Cup events raced in identical AC40 foiling yachts. The events allow teams to compete, develop crews, and gather valuable performance data ahead of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.

Where was the Preliminary Regatta Cagliari held?
The regatta was sailed on the Bay of Angels, off the coast of Sardinia's captial, Cagliari, in Italy. 

Where can I watch the Preliminary Regattas?
Check out the official Emirates Team New Zealand YouTube channel to watch race highlights, behind the scenes content and race debriefs and analyses by the team. Find all info on how to watch on our website, here.

All live racing will be streamed on the official America's Cup YouTube channel and replays are available immediately. There are several broadcasters showing the racing live on TV – for New Zealand audiences, live racing and replays are available on TVNZ's channels. 

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How do the America's Cup Preliminary Regattas work?
The Preliminary Regattas are sailed in equalised AC40s with each team being allowed to field two boats: the second one being crewed by the respective Women's & Youth teams. Emirates Team New Zealand, GB1, and Luna Rossa opted for a two-boat entry, while the Swiss and French teams only fielded one boat each. 

Eight fleet races across three days of racing then culminated in the final winner-takes-all Match Race. The racecourse was located right off the coast of Cagliari's waterfront with an upwind start. The racecourse length, orientation, and number of legs would be determined on the day depending on wind and wave conditions. 

Who sailed in the America's Cup Preliminary Regatta Cagliari?
All teams that entered the 38th America's Cup cycle within the regular registration time competed in the Preliminary Regatta Sardinia: Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), GB1 and Athena Pathway (GBR), Luna Rossa (ITA), Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI), La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA). The two late-entry teams, Team Australia and American Racing Challenger Team USA, did not compete in Sardinia but are expected to race in the Preliminary Regatta in Naples in late September 2026. 

Who sailed for Emirates Team New Zealand in the Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia?
The line-up was announced in May 2026 and the senior crew consisted of: Nathan Outteridge (skipper and helm), Seb Menzies (helm), and trimmers Andy Maloney and Iain Jensen. The Women's and Youth boat was crewed by: Jake Pye (skipper and helm), Erica Dawson (helm), Serena Woodall (trim), and Josh Armit (trim).

Which boats are used in the America's Cup Preliminary Regattas?
The Preliminary Regattas are raced in identical AC40 foiling yachts. The Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup itself will be contested in the larger AC75 foiling monohulls. Each team is allowed to field two boats: one crewed by their AC75 sailing team, and the second one sailed by their respective Women's and Youth teams. The AC40s will also be the official boats used in the Women's America's Cup as well as the Youth America's Cup in 2027.

Did Emirates Team New Zealand win the Preliminary Regatta Sardinia in Cagliari?
Emirates Team New Zealand finished as overall runner-up after qualifying for the Match Race Final, where Luna Rossa claimed victory in front of their home crowd.

Why are the America's Cup Preliminary Regattas important?
The events allow teams to refine crew combinations, develop race strategy, test communication under pressure and collect valuable performance data that informs preparation for the America's Cup itself.

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