Planning for the 2024 America’s Cup

The Format of the 2024 America’s Cup

The 2024 America’s Cup will follow a first-to-seven-wins format. This means that the first team to secure seven race victories will claim the cup. The event will be hosted in the waters off Barcelona, a venue that promises both challenging conditions for the sailors and stunning visuals for spectators.

Before the final races, the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series will determine which yacht club earns the right to face the defending champions. This selection series will also take place in Barcelona during September 2024. The winner will then go on to challenge the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, who will be defending their title with their yacht, Te Rehutai.

The Defending Champions - Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron

The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is one of the most successful clubs in the history of the America’s Cup. They will once again defend their title in 2024, following their victory in the 36th America’s Cup in 2021. The team, representing Emirates Team New Zealand, has a strong history in the competition, with previous wins in 1995, 2000, and 2017.

Te Rehutai, the yacht they will be defending with, is a state-of-the-art AC75 foiling monohull. This class of yacht, which was introduced in the previous America’s Cup, is known for its speed and agility. It requires a highly skilled crew to navigate the complex conditions of the race. The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has consistently shown that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level, and they will be looking to maintain their dominance in 2024.

The Challengers and Their Prospects

Several yacht clubs have already expressed their intent to challenge for the 2024 America’s Cup. Each of these teams will compete in the Louis Vuitton Challenger Selection Series to earn the right to face the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron in the final races. Here’s a look at some of the key challengers:

• INEOS Britannia (Royal Yacht Squadron Racing Ltd): The British team, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, will be one of the top contenders in the Challenger Selection Series. Ainslie, a decorated sailor with multiple Olympic medals, has brought a wealth of experience to the team. Despite previous setbacks, INEOS Britannia is expected to be a strong competitor in 2024.
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Circolo della Vela Sicilia): The Italian team, which reached the final of the 2021 America’s Cup, is another team to watch. With a strong history in the competition and a highly competitive spirit, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli will be eager to claim victory this time around. Their AC75 yacht is expected to be one of the most advanced in the fleet.
• American Magic (New York Yacht Club): Representing the New York Yacht Club, American Magic is another formidable challenger. The team has faced challenges in previous editions but remains determined to secure the America’s Cup for the United States. Their participation in multiple preliminary regattas has given them valuable experience that could prove crucial in the Challenger Selection Series.
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Société Nautique de Genève): Alinghi, a two-time winner of the America’s Cup, returns to the competition with a new partner, Red Bull. This Swiss team has a strong legacy in the event, and their return is highly anticipated. They will be looking to leverage their experience and innovative approach to secure a spot in the final races.
• Orient Express Team (Société Nautique de Saint-Tropez): This French team is a relatively new entry to the America’s Cup scene but has shown promise in preliminary regattas. While they may not have the same history as some of the other teams, they are considered a dark horse in the competition and could surprise many with their performance.

The Role of Technology in the 2024 America’s Cup

One of the most fascinating aspects of the America’s Cup is the technology involved in designing and building the yachts. The AC75 class, used in both the 2021 and 2024 editions, represents the cutting edge of yacht design. These foiling monohulls can reach incredible speeds, with the ability to "fly" above the water on hydrofoils, reducing drag and increasing velocity.

Each team invests heavily in research and development to gain even the slightest advantage over their competitors. The design process involves collaboration between engineers, naval architects, and sailors to create a yacht that can perform at the highest level in a variety of conditions. The result is a competition where technology plays as significant a role as the skill of the sailors.

In addition to the yachts themselves, advancements in weather prediction, data analysis, and real-time communication have transformed how teams approach each race. These tools allow teams to make informed decisions during the race, adjusting their strategies based on wind patterns, currents, and the actions of their competitors.

Betting on the 2024 America’s Cup

At Galera Bet, we are proud to offer a wide range of betting options for the 2024 America’s Cup. Whether you are interested in placing a wager on the overall winner, individual race outcomes, or specific match-ups during the Challenger Selection Series, we have you covered. Look out for our betting guide and head over to our sportsbook today to start placing your bets.