Analysing the boldest America's Cup Protocol yet

Analysing the boldest America's Cup Protocol yet

Author: Justin Chisholm August 21, 2025 Duration: 53:35

The America’s Cup has entered a bold new era with the release of the Protocol for the 38th edition, and it’s nothing short of revolutionary. A new governing body — the America’s Cup Partnership — will run the event, promising continuity, a two-year cycle, and more transparency than ever before. Defenders Emirates Team New Zealand and Challenger of Record Athena Racing have given up traditional powers in favour of stability, cost controls, and broader commercial appeal. The changes are sweeping: existing AC75s will be reused, budgets capped at €75m, cyclors replaced by batteries, and at least one female sailor mandated on every crew.

Justin Chisholm is joined by Andy Rice (sailjuice.com and Road To Gold) and Dave Reed (editor at Sailing World Magazine) to dissect what’s gained, what’s lost, and who the big winners could be. From Pete Burling’s shock switch to Italy to the looming SailGP rivalry, this Protocol sets a dramatic course for Naples 2027.


The Yacht Racing Life Podcast by British sailing journalist Justin Chisholm dives deep into the competitive world of high performance sailing. Aimed at racing sailors and passionate fans, this podcast explores what it really takes to compete at the highest level on the water. Each episode features exclusive, in depth interviews with many of the sport's biggest names - from Olympic medallists and ocean racers to cutting edge designers, tacticians and team leaders. Listeners can expect thoughtful conversations about race strategies, boat speed, technology, team dynamics and the latest developments from major regattas and global yacht racing circuits. With Justin's insider knowledge and access, the podcast offers rare behind the scenes insights, honest stories from the frontline of the sport, and lessons that ambitious sailors can apply to their own racing. Tune in and listen episodes to stay informed, inspired and connected to the fast moving world of professional yacht racing.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

Yacht Racing Life Podcast
Podcast Episodes
SailGP Los Angeles Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:46
Yacht Racing Life editor Justin Chisholm is joined from the UK by Magnus Wheatley (Rule69 Blog) as the pair give their independent analysis and commentary on the fourth event of the Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 season…
John Croom: US America's Cup Cyclor [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:00
Justin Chisholm’s guest on the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast is American athlete John Croom.Croom had an illustrious career as a track cyclist in the US National Team before switching sports to bring hi…
Anderson Reggio: Data Analysis and AI in the America's Cup [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:18
Justin Chisholm’s guest on the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Podcast is the American sailor, meteorologist, and navigation expert, Anderson Reggio.Anderson has just returned home with his family to Newport Rhode Isl…
SailGP Sydney Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:13:59
On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast British sailing journalists Justin Chisholm and Magnus Wheatley catch up online to review the action at last weekend’s SailGP event three with took place in Sydney,…
Glenn Ashby [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:28
Joining Justin Chisholm on the Yacht Racing Life Podcast this time is Australian Olympic silver medallist and two-time America’s Cup winner with Emirates Team New Zealand – Glenn Ashby. As well as his AC and Olympic achi…
Giles Scott [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:30
On the latest episode of the Yacht Racing Life Podcast Justin Chisholm’s guest is the British double Olympic gold-medallist sailor Giles Scott. Aside from his Olympic triumphs Giles is also an multiple America’s Cup vete…
SailGP Auckland Analysis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:37
Justin Chisholm is joined by fellow-British sailing writer Magnus Wheatley (Rule69 Blog) as the pair give their independent analysis of the second SailGP event of Season 5 which took place in spectacular style in Aucklan…
Tom Burnham [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:45
Justin Chisholm’s guest is American professional sailor and coach, Tom Burnham, who takes on a fascinating deep dive into the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic syndicate’s recent challenge for the 37th America’s Cup i…
Ricardo Pinto: Life behind the lens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:47
Justin Chisholm’s guest is the renowned Portuguese sailing photographer Ricardo Pinto. Ricardo is one of the most prolific shooters in the business right now and his work from around the world at our sport’s keystone reg…
Tony Quinn [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:19
Ever wondered what it’s like to be in charge of an America’s Cup chase boat? Right at the very heart of the on the water battle - nobody, other than the AC75 sailors themselves, gets a closer vantage point on the white h…