Thirty years. Five America's Cup victories. A partnership built on precision and a shared devotion to the sea. The bond between OMEGA and Emirates Team New Zealand traces its origins to 1995, and with the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup set for Naples in 2027, the relationship shows no sign of slowing down.
The association began at the 1995 America's Cup, grounded in values the two organisations already held in common: precision, innovation, and a genuine connection to the ocean. The timing proved auspicious. Team New Zealand lifted the trophy that year, and OMEGA's red branded bows have appeared on Emirates Team New Zealand race boats in every campaign since, through the victories of 2000, 2017, 2021, and 2024.
What the team is now chasing has never been done before. A fourth consecutive America's Cup win and a sixth title overall would be without precedent in the sport's long history. As the 2024 champions, Emirates Team New Zealand will defend the trophy when The Match gets under way in Naples, facing whichever challenger comes through the Louis Vuitton Cup. The first side to reach seven race wins takes the prize. Naples will also mark the first time the competition has been held in Italy.
OMEGA President and CEO Raynald Aeschlimann says, "Emirates Team New Zealand continue to inspire us with the perseverance and technical excellence they bring to sailing. It is an honour to support them once again as they pursue the sport's greatest trophy. Our journey together has remained strong throughout time and highlights two partners committed to success."
Emirates Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton says, "We are very proud to continue to have OMEGA's iconic brand associated with the team once again for our defence of the 38th America's Cup in Naples in 2027. For over 30 years now, OMEGA has always been a precision partner that strengthens our team and has played a significant part in our success in all five of our America's Cup victories."
Before racing arrives in Naples, the opening on-water action of this edition will be a Preliminary Regatta series in Cagliari, Sardinia, beginning on 21 May 2026. Those races will be sailed in the one-design AC40 foiling monohull, a vessel capable of reaching speeds of up to 50 knots.
OMEGA's commitment extends beyond the broader team to individual sailing ambassadors within its family, among them Emirates Team New Zealand's Blair Tuke, who was part of the back-to-back championship campaigns of 2017, 2021, and 2024.
Through its continued backing of Emirates Team New Zealand, OMEGA will also serve as Official Timekeeper of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup. That role covers not just the principal racing but the full programme surrounding it, including the return of the Women's America's Cup and the Youth America's Cup.
