Land Rover Ben Ainslie Racing (BAR)

Team principal and skipper: Sir Ben Ainslie

BAR are the British challenger hoping to bring the Cup back for the first time in its 164 year history. They launched in the summer of 2014 and, under the guidance of four-time Olympic champion Ben Ainslie, they hope to return the trophy home.

Oracle Team USA

Skipper and helmsman: Jimmy Spithill

Oracle are backed by American billionaire Larry Ellison and based in San Francisco, California. They initially formed to compete at the 2003 America’s Cup and then took part again 2007 before winning in 2010 and 2013. With the help of Ben Ainslie they staged a miraculous comeback from 8-0 down to win the 34th edition in San Francisco.

Artemis Racing

Team manager and tactician: Iain Percy  

The Swedish team return as challengers for the second successive America’s Cup. Tragedy marred Artemis’s last America’s Cup challenge in 2013 when skipper Iain Percy’s best friend Andrew “Bart” Simpson died after their AC72 capsized in training. The team rallied round Percy and they pledged to return for another challenge for the 2017 edition.

Emirates Team New Zealand

Team principal: Grant Dalton

Team New Zealand were 8-0 up against Oracle Team USA in the 34th edition of the Cup in 2013, but they went onto lose 9-8 in what was an amazing comeback for Team USA. Although being on the other side of that defeat would have been hugely demoralising, the New Zealanders are back for more.

Groupama Team France

Team management: Franck Cammas, Michel Desjoyeaux and Olivier De Kersauson.

France have never wont the America’s Cup and, much like their British counterparts, they have the desire to do so. With the backing of the French government and insurance group Groupama, Team France have been two years in the making and are now aiming to steal Britain’s thunder as they try and win the cup.

SoftBank Team Japan

Team CEO: Dean Barker

Team Japan were latecomers, having only announced their challenge in April this year. SoftBank Corporation, the telecommunications and internet giant, and the Kansai Yacht Club combined to make the Japanese bid possible. They have been given a base level of technical assistance from Oracle Team USA as they prepare for action.