The yachts have 4 crew onboard (two helms and two trimmers) and many athletes also competed in the youth America's Cup.

Twelve teams are split into two pools of six for an initial fleet racing series, Group A contains clubs which entered into the America's Cup challenger series of that year and Group B contain clubs which have been invited to take part.

After six fleet races the top three of each division then progress to the final series of 4 fleet races which decide the top two teams, who subsequently compete in a single match-race final to determine the overall winner of the event.

Likewise to qualify for the final, teams must rank in the top two of the semi-final series.

† AC Team Germany were disqualified from the race and awarded 0 pts.