AC 32 Format

We get asked almost daily to explain how the somewhat complicated (at least for the Challengers) AC32 format works. Believe it or not, for this 32nd edition the Louis Vuitton Cup series is the simplest and most straightforward since probably the first LVC was conducted in 1983. Just think back to 2003 LVC format and the mystifying "repechage" round!

AC 32's format is, however, made a bit confusing by (a) the accumulation of "ranking points" by Challengers during the Acts, (b) the resultant bonus points carried into the Round Robin phase of the LVC by each of the 11 Challengers, and (c) the two points per win during the RRs.

On the theory that a picture is worth a thousand words, BMW ORACLE Racing produced a graphic that many say explains the AC 32 format and schedule very well. This helpful graphic is posted and available for download on their team blog.

"To win the America's Cup, first win the Louis Vuitton Cup."