America's Cup to be held every two years, Alinghi returns

The America's Cup is set to take place every two years starting from 2027, after organisers announced late Monday that a new partnership had been formed between five key teams - including Swiss outfit Alinghi.

Alinghi made the shock announcement in April that it would wind down operations and not compete in the 38th America's Cup, which is set to take place in Naples.

However, the Swiss outfit have now been confirmed to join Emirates Team New Zealand, Great Britain, Italy and France in a new America's Cup Partnership (ACP).

The America's Cup, affectionately known as the Auld Mug, has historically been run on a changeable schedule, with the winning nation deciding the timing and location for the next edition.

Under the new five-nation alliance, a number of changes to the race have been introduced - including a "fixed calendar", which will see the race run on an organised biennial cycle instead of being at the winning nation's discretion.

Chief executive of holder Team New Zealand Grant Dalton said the move was about "preserving what makes the America's Cup extraordinary".

"We are securing the position of the America's Cup at the pinnacle of innovation and professional sport for decades to come," Dalton said.

Other features of the new partnership include the introduction of an independent management team, cost-control methods aimed to create higher levels of competition, and a "future focused" initiative to have at least one female on board the AC75 race boat at the 38th America's Cup.

Owner of Team Alinghi Ernesto Bertarelli said the partnership was "the embodiment of the collective commitment" to improving sailing.

"We are ensuring that this iconic competition will thrive for generations to come," he said.

All five entities in the partnership will contest the 2027 America's Cup and are set to present further details of the ACP in Naples on January 21 next year.

Other teams will be able to compete.