Bluegame, the Sanlorenzo Group brand, and New York Yacht Club American Magic, challenger for the 37th America’s Cup to be held in Barcelona in 2024, have signed an agreement for the design and construction of the team’s hydrogen-powered chase boat.

This is an enormously proud moment for Bluegame after accepting the highly complex design and technical challenge. For the first time, the 37th America’s Cup protocol requires each challenging team to build and operate two hydrogen-powered foiling chase boats that must be a minimum of 10 metres in length, reach a maximum speed of 50 knots, and have a range of 180 miles.

To ensure the project’s success, Bluegame has built an exceptional team with previous America’s Cup design experience. As a result, they possess the best possible know-how in structures, composites, foil design, and the software that controls the flight-height of these highly sophisticated foiling boats.

The boat’s propulsion system is powered by hydrogen, an innovative concept in boating and a first for Bluegame. However, less than a year ago, Bluegame’s parent company, Sanlorenzo, signed a strategic agreement with Siemens Energy to build the first 50-metre superyacht with electricity generated from hydrogen fuel cells, which will be launched in 2024. This extraordinary double milestone unquestionably confirms Sanlorenzo as the pioneering brand in technological and sustainable innovation.

The America’s Cup, the pinnacle competition in yachting, was first contested in 1851, making it the oldest trophy in international sport. It even predates the modern Olympic Games by 45 years. America’s Cup match races are fought between two sailing yachts: one from the yacht club that currently holds the trophy (known as the defender) and the other from the yacht club that is challenging for the cup (the challenger).

New York Yacht Club’s America’s Cup history stretches back to the inaugural race, which they won, before retaining the America’s Cup for 132 years, the longest winning series in the history of sport. New York Yacht Club and American Magic first partnered in 2018, and the 37th America’s Cup will be their second challenge.

Luca Santella, head of product strategy of Bluegame, comments:

“I can hardly contain the emotion that arises from the recognition of Bluegame’s design value, from the confirmation of the unconventional DNA of the brand, and the fascination exercised by this legendary competition on a former professional sailor like I was.”

Tyson Lamond, chief operations officer of American Magic, explains further:

“Bluegame is the perfect partner on this project, and we’re very excited to be at the forefront of innovation. We are optimistic that hydrogen-powered boats and the production of cleaner, more environmentally friendly technology will become a sustainable solution for the wider marine industry.”