Britain's GB1 America's Cup team has brought its AC75 race boat to Naples following an extensive refit in northern Italy, marking another milestone in preparations for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup in 2027.
The 75-foot foiling yacht, code-named RB4, completed an 800km, three-day road journey from Persico Marine, where it had undergone modifications to comply with the new AC75 Class Rules.
The boat is the same hull the British team raced in Barcelona during the 37th America's Cup, when it won the Challenger Selection Series and became the first British challenger in 60 years to qualify for the America's Cup Match.
The British also secured their first race victories in the Match for 90 years.
Major Changes Under New AC75 Rules
Under the rules for the 38th America's Cup, returning teams must reuse their existing AC75 hulls rather than design and build entirely new boats. The measure aims to reduce campaign costs while letting teams focus development on areas with potential performance gains.
One of the most significant changes is removing the four cyclors that generated hydraulic power aboard the British boat in Barcelona.
For the Naples competition, a specified battery system will supply stored electrical energy in place of human-generated hydraulic power. The change requires substantial alterations to the boat's internal layout, hydraulics, electronics and control systems.
Five-Sailor Crews and Female Participation
The new rules also reduce the racing crew to five sailors, with at least one female sailor required aboard each AC75.
GB1 has already announced former British Sailing Team kitefoiler Jemima Lines as an addition to its sailing squad. A new Guest Racer position will also let a non-team member race aboard an AC75.
Preparations Continue in Naples
RB4 will now undergo final fitting-out and commissioning at GB1's base in Bagnoli, ahead of a planned return to sailing on the Bay of Naples before the end of 2026.
The British arrival follows the launch of the French America's Cup challenger's AC75 in Naples, as Afloat previously reported, as preparations intensify for the 2027 competition.
