19 Mar 2021

New nationality rules in play for next America's Cup

From Checkpoint, 5:24 pm on 19 March 2021

The taste of champagne and sea salt has barely worn off and already new rules have been released for the next America's Cup, wherever it may be held.

With the Royal Yacht Squadron in the UK confirmed as the challenger of record, Emirates Team NZ has released new rules.

They are keeping the AC-75 monohulls to cut costs. Team NZ has also committed to working with the challenger of record to attract more competitors and help new teams get off the ground.

The big change is new nationality rules, which heavily restrict what teams crew can sail for.

Sailors must hold a passport for their yacht club's country of origin, have sailed for the team in the last regatta, or lived in the country they are sailing for, for two of the past three years.

With planning seemingly well underway, Lisa Owen asked Royal NZ yacht Squadron Commodore Aaron Young if the next America's Cup will be in New Zealand.