2026 Americas Cup: How to Celebrate with Custom Memorabilia and Trophies

The 38th America’s Cup in Naples, Italy (2027) and its preliminary regattas throughout 2026 offer unprecedented opportunities to celebrate the world’s oldest sporting trophy through custom memorabilia including AC75 boat models, half hulls, sailing trophies, and corporate gifts. Abordage specializes in official America’s Cup replicas at scales from 1:32 to 1:80, with delivery timelines of 8-14 weeks.

The 38th America’s Cup: Road to Naples 2026-2027

Current America’s Cup Timeline

The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup officially began its “Road to Naples” with the announcement of Sardinia (Cagliari) as the first host venue for preliminary regattas in May 2026. This marks the beginning of an 18-month competition cycle culminating in the Cup Match in Naples in 2027.

Confirmed 2026-2027 schedule:

• May 2026: First Preliminary Regatta, Cagliari, Sardinia

• Mid-2026: Additional Preliminary Regattas (venues TBA)

• Late 2026: Challenger Selection Series begins

• 2027: Louis Vuitton Cup Finals and America’s Cup Match, Naples

Teams currently confirmed include Emirates Team New Zealand (defender), Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (Italy), K-Challenge (France), and GB1 (Great Britain under Ben Ainslie). The entry deadline of January 31, 2026 may still see additional challengers including potential American and Swiss entries.​​

AC75 Technology and Design Evolution

The 38th America’s Cup continues with AC75 class foiling monohulls that revolutionized sailing when introduced for the 37th Cup in Auckland. These 75-foot flying machines reach speeds exceeding 50 knots, combining cutting-edge hydrodynamics, aerodynamics, and materials science.​

AC75 characteristics:

• Length overall: 75 feet (22.86 meters)

• Foiling capability with canting ballasted T-foils

• Soft wing mainsails with significant twist control

• Cyclor-powered hydraulic systems (human-powered grinding)

• Carbon fiber construction with sophisticated engineering

The second generation of AC75s for the 38th Cup features refinements based on Auckland racing experience, with teams incorporating lessons learned about foil control, sail handling, and maneuverability in varied conditions.​

For model enthusiasts, the AC75 represents the most visually dramatic America’s Cup class in history—dramatic rake angles, aggressive foils, and sleek hulls create stunning representations at any scale.​

America’s Cup Model Collection

AC75 Desk Models and Half Hulls

Abordage offers official replicas of AC75 race boats from the 37th America’s Cup (Barcelona 2024) and upcoming 38th Cup designs:

Emirates Team New Zealand – Taihoro:

• Scale 1:80 desk model (11″ LOA)

• Winner of 37th America’s Cup, Barcelona 2024

• Includes protective display case

• Pre-order available, ships April 2026​

AC75 half hull models:

• Scale 1:32 (28-29″ LOA) – Grand Models collection

• Scale 1:48 (18-19″ LOA) – Medium Models collection

• Teams: American Magic (Patriot), Emirates Team New Zealand

• Mounted on quality backboards

• Investment: $1,800-$4,500​

These museum-quality replicas capture the revolutionary design of AC75s including foil configurations, deck layouts, and distinctive hull shapes that enable sustained foiling in 12+ knots of breeze.

Historic America’s Cup Models

The America’s Cup collection spans 175 years of Cup history from the original schooner America (1851) through modern foiling monohulls.

J-Class era (1930s):

• Shamrock V (1930) – Sir Thomas Lipton’s final challenge​

• Rainbow (1934) – Defender with innovative design

• Ranger (1937) – Largest and fastest J-Class ever built

• Enterprise (1930) – First defender with fully battened mainsail

12-Meter era (1958-1987):

• Columbia (1958) – First aluminum 12-Meter Cup defender

• Courageous (1974, 1977) – Ted Turner’s famous defender

• Australia II (1983) – Winged keel breakthrough ending 132-year American winning streak

• Stars & Stripes (1987) – Dennis Conner’s recapture of the Cup

Modern era (1988-2024):

• Young America (2000) – Farr-designed New York Yacht Club challenger​

• BMW Oracle (2010) – Massive trimaran that changed Cup rules

• AC75 class (2021-present) – Current foiling monohull generation

Each historic model provides a tangible connection to sailing’s most prestigious trophy and the technological evolution of yacht design across nearly two centuries.

Scale and Detail Options

America’s Cup models are available in multiple configurations:

The fine ship models section includes ready-to-ship options and custom commissions for specific Cup boats.

Sailing Trophies for Regattas and Yacht Clubs

Custom Trophy Design for 2026 Competitions

As the America’s Cup dominates sailing headlines through 2026, yacht clubs and regatta organizers worldwide celebrate with sailing events requiring appropriate awards. Custom sailing trophies from Abordage range from perpetual trophies for annual series to individual crew awards.​

Popular trophy styles:

• Half hull perpetual trophies: Feature boat class mounted on plaque with annual winner plates

• Desk model awards: Miniature replicas of race boats on presentation bases

• Traditional cups and bowls: Engraved silver-plate or pewter in maritime designs

• Contemporary designs: Modern sculptures incorporating sailing elements

• Panel trophies: Mahogany boards with boat profiles and winner engravings

The sailing trophies collection includes options for one-design fleets, offshore races, yacht club championships, and corporate sailing events.​

Regatta Trophy Considerations

Perpetual vs. keeper trophies:

• Perpetual trophies remain with the organizing club with winner names added annually

• Keeper trophies are awarded to winners permanently

• Many regattas use perpetual trophies for overall series with keeper trophies for individual races

Design elements to specify:

• Boat class or type being raced

• Regatta name, yacht club, and sponsorships

• Scale appropriate to trophy purpose (larger for major championships)

• Engraving areas for dates, names, and boat names

• Display bases in materials matching club décor

Budget planning:

• Simple engraved trophies: $150-$400

• Half hull class trophies: $800-$1,500

• Custom desk model trophies: $1,500-$3,500

• Major perpetual trophies: $3,000-$8,000+

Order timelines for custom trophies typically require 8-12 weeks, so regatta organizers should plan well in advance of award ceremonies.​

America’s Cup Themed Regatta Awards

The Cup’s prominence makes it an ideal theme for local and regional sailing competitions:

AC-inspired trophy concepts:

• Scale AC75 models on plaques for modern fleet racing

• Historic J-Class half hulls for classic yacht events

• “Mini America’s Cup” format for junior sailing programs

• Technology innovation awards featuring foiling designs

• Team racing trophies echoing Cup match-racing format

These themed awards connect local sailing communities to the sport’s pinnacle event while celebrating competitive achievements.

Corporate Gifts and Maritime Memorabilia

Business Applications for America’s Cup Models

The America’s Cup represents excellence, innovation, and competitive spirit—qualities businesses seek to associate with their brands:​

Corporate gifting scenarios:

• Client appreciation: High-value gifts for maritime industry partners

• Executive recognition: Awards for leadership and achievement

• Yacht sales closing gifts: Memorable presentations for new boat owners

• Sponsorship activation: Branded models for America’s Cup team sponsors

• Hospitality programs: VIP guest gifts at sailing events and regattas

• Office décor: Lobby and conference room displays establishing maritime credentials

Custom America’s Cup models serve as conversation pieces and lasting reminders of business relationships, significantly more memorable than standard corporate gifts.

Customization and Branding Options

Personalization elements:

• Engraved brass plaques with corporate messages or dedications

• Custom backboards or bases in company colors

• Protective cases with etched logos or event information

• Accompanying certificates of authenticity documenting the model

• Special packaging for presentation at events or shipment to recipients

Volume pricing:

• Single presentation gifts: Standard pricing

• 3-10 units: 10-15% volume discount typically available

• 10+ units: Custom quote based on specifications

• Corporate account programs for ongoing orders

Contact Abordage’s corporate gifts team for quantity pricing and customization options suitable for business applications.

America’s Cup Hospitality and Event Memorabilia

For companies hosting clients at Cup events or America’s Cup-themed corporate functions:

Event memorabilia ideas:

• Miniature AC75 models as table centerpieces or favors

• Half hull displays for registration areas or cocktail spaces

• Historic Cup boat models for themed décor

• Custom trophies for corporate sailing challenges

• Branded sailing awards for team-building competitions

These elements enhance event experiences while providing tangible takeaways reinforcing the maritime theme and competitive spirit of the America’s Cup.

Collecting America’s Cup Memorabilia

Building a Comprehensive Cup Collection

Serious collectors document Cup history through models spanning different eras:

Chronological approach:

• Schooner era: America (1851) and early challengers

• Cutter/sloop transition: Late 1800s designs

• J-Class golden age: 1930s giants

• 12-Meter period: 1958-1987 technical development

• International America’s Cup Class: 1992-2007 modern boats

• Multihull era: Extreme catamarans and trimarans

• AC75 foiling: Current revolutionary designs

Thematic collections:

• Defending boats only or challenger focus

• Specific yacht designers (Herreshoff, Farr, Reichel-Pugh)

• National representation (British challengers, American defenders)

• Technological breakthroughs (winged keels, catamarans, foils)

• Scale consistency across entire collection

The historic ships collection and America’s Cup section provide options for collectors at various investment levels.

Preservation and Display

Protecting America’s Cup model investments:

Environmental considerations:

• Avoid direct sunlight causing finish fading and wood damage

• Maintain moderate humidity (40-50%) preventing wood movement

• Temperature stability avoiding expansion/contraction cycles

• Dust protection through cases or regular careful cleaning

Display strategies for collections:

• Grouped chronologically showing design evolution

• Arranged by scale creating visual coherence

• Lit with LED systems avoiding UV and heat damage

• Rotated periodically if collection exceeds display capacity

Documentation:

• Maintain provenance records and authenticity certificates

• Photograph models for insurance documentation

• Research boat histories enhancing collection knowledge

• Connect with other Cup collectors through maritime societies

Quality display cases designed for boat models provide museum-level protection while showcasing your collection.

Ordering America’s Cup Models for 2026

Current Availability and Lead Times

With renewed Cup excitement through 2026’s preliminary regattas:

Ready-to-ship models:

• Popular historic Cup boats: 2-4 week delivery

• Standard AC75 configurations: 4-6 week delivery

• Limited edition releases: Pre-order basis

Custom commissions:

• Specific team colors or configurations: 10-14 weeks

• Custom scale requests: 12-16 weeks

• Large exhibition pieces: 14-20 weeks

Peak season considerations:

• Spring 2026 (leading to Sardinia regatta): Order by March

• Holiday gifts 2026: Order by October

• Naples Cup 2027 memorabilia: Order early 2027 for event delivery

Browse the current America’s Cup collection or submit a custom model request specifying your Cup boat preferences, scale requirements, and delivery timeline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I commission a model of a specific America’s Cup team’s AC75?
Yes, Abordage creates custom models in team-specific colors, graphics, and configurations. Provide reference photos and team information for accurate representation.​

What’s the difference between desk models and half hulls for AC75s?
Desk models show the complete boat from all angles including foils, deck layout, and rigging. Half hulls mount on backboards showing the dramatic hull profile and foil configuration from one side.​

Do America’s Cup models include display cases?
Some desk models include cases; half hulls typically mount on backboards without cases. Additional protective cases are available for any model format.​

Can sailing trophies feature America’s Cup boats?
Absolutely. Custom trophies incorporating AC75s, J-Class boats, or historic Cup defenders are popular for yacht club regattas and corporate sailing events. Allow 8-12 weeks for custom trophy production.