Capgemini on board as global partner of 37th America’s Cup

America’s Cup viewers will be treated to a richer, up close experience this year with technology consultancy Capgemini coming on board as an official data supplier to provide deeper insight and analysis.

Global business and technology consultancy Capgemini has signed on as a partner of the 37th America’s Cup, which will be concluded in Spain toward the end of the year.

The fresh sporting partnership follows on from the Paris-headquartered firm’s sponsorship of last year’s Rugby World Cup in France, and will see Capgemini lend its expertise in data & AI, sustainability, and digital innovation to the increasingly hi-tech competition.

“We are thrilled that Capgemini is joining the 37th America’s Cup family of sponsors as global partner,” said event CEO and sailing veteran Grant Dalton. “Capgemini’s leading expertise in tech and data will bring great value to the event and fans alike. We are excited to see how Capgemini can help us to make this year’s competition the most engaging and insightful digital experience ever for both enthusiasts and new generations of followers.”

First awarded in 1851, the America’s Cup is the world’s oldest and most prestigious sailing event. Yet, the yachts of today would be practically unrecognisable to the event’s first competitors, and their operations a complete mystery compared to when Australia II finally broke the US dominance back in 1983. Unfortunately, Australia is no longer a contender in the main race; worse still, Emirates Team New Zealand are out to once again defend their crown.

Which team they come up against – from the US, UK, Italy, Switzerland and France – will be decided during the Louis Vuitton Cup Challenger Series to be held in Barcelona from late August through to the start of October, before the main event kicks off on the 12th. Whichever team triumphs as challenger, they’ll be coming up against Emirates Team New Zealand’s advanced AI simulation technology developed with the support of McKinsey’s QuantumBlack.

Now, Capgemini has come aboard as a global partner and the official data provider of the event itself, with the consultancy tasked with enhancing the fan experience throughout the series via tech-enabled insights and analysis. The firm will be able to lean on its strong pedigree as an international sports partner, having in addition to the world rugby supported golf’s Ryder Cup and the FIA World Endurance Championship through its alliance with Peugeot.

“In sport and business, the individual is responsible for performing at the highest level as part of a team. The America’s Cup is a highly competitive, exciting global event fueled by cutting-edge technology and sheer team spirit,” said Capgemini CEO Aiman Ezzat. “Global and technology-driven by nature, this prestigious sailing tournament – more diverse and sustainable than ever this year – embodies many of the group’s values.”

While Australia doesn’t have a competitor in the traditional regatta, the nation will be represented by teams in both the youth and women’s America’s Cups, the latter introduced for the first time in this year’s racing schedule as a pathway for the next generation of sailors. Capgemini notes its long-running strategic support for the development of women’s rugby in stating its commitment to unlocking the potential of diversity and inclusion in both business and sport.