The America's Cup protocol, which defines the rules, format and commercial regulations for the 35th America’s Cup, was published on June 3, 2014. The announcement follows protracted negotiations between the holder, Oracle Team USA and the challenger of record, Team Australia.

Trophy on Golden Gate Bridge

The America's Cup trophy on the Golden Gate Bridge, San Fancisco.



Entries open on June 9 and close August 8, 2014, giving prospective teams two months to enter. The Class Rule for the new AC62 yacht, which has already been shared with teams in draft format, will be issued in the coming days.

Highlights of the America's Cup protocol include:

* A three year racing program from 2015 to 2017 with every race counting towards qualification and/or points in the final America’s Cup Match.

* At least six America’s Cup World Series events per year in 2015 and 2016 to be raced in the AC45 class. All teams have an opportunity to host an event in their home country.

* An America’s Cup Qualifiers series in 2017 involving all teams, with a bonus point in the America’s Cup Match at stake.

* America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs for the top four challenger teams to emerge from the Qualifiers.

* The America’s Cup Match, featuring the defender, Oracle Team USA against the top challenger. The first team to win seven points will win the America’s Cup.

* Up to two Youth America’s Cup events providing a pathway for young sailors to join the top rank of professionals.

* A new AC62 yacht – a foiling, wing sail catamaran sailed by eight crew – to be raced in all events in 2017.

* A nationality rule requiring at least 25 per cent of the AC62 crew to be nationals of the country of their challenge.

The Protocol was negotiated between defending champion Oracle Team USA and its Golden Gate Yacht Club and Team Australia’s Hamilton Island Yacht Club, the Challenger of Record.

“We are convinced the 35th America’s Cup will surpass previous events in almost every way: more challengers, amazing new boats and a competition structure that will engage and enthrall people over a three year period,” said Mat Belcher, the skipper of Team Australia.