Time to punt for New York Yacht Club

After a decade and a half away from sailing’s flagship competition, the New York Yacht Club revealed their challenge for the 36th America’s Cup in October 2017. However, the 2021 competition couldn’t have ended much worse for the storied club.

Their team, American Magic, struggled with onboard decisions that escalated with a horrific crash. Despite being the first challenger eliminated, the club’s eye was still on the trophy but had sought changes in the format which they shared in May 2021.

They also changed teams, putting their allegiance behind the Stars+Stripes team, founded by members Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield, which came short of funding for the 36th edition. But with the venue announcement delayed, the club has now punted on participation. Here’s their announcement:

New York, NY (October 19, 2021) – Yesterday, in a letter to the Trustees of the New York Yacht Club, the Flag Officers of the Club announced the Club was pausing its pursuit of the America’s Cup.

Quotes from New York Yacht Club Commodore Christopher J. Culver:

• “There are few private clubs that enjoy a stronger bond with a single competition than the New York Yacht Club does with the America’s Cup, which we founded and held for 132 years. However, we ultimately have a responsibility to act in the best interests of our membership. Given the continued uncertainty regarding the 37th America’s Cup, we have decided to pause our challenge for this edition.”

• “For more than six months, the New York Yacht Club along with other potential challengers have waited for clarity regarding the venue, timing and rules for the 37th America’s Cup. Time is never on the side of new teams in this great contest, but at some point, we must recognize when there simply isn’t enough of it left to build a competitive challenge.”

• “We will continue to advocate for what we believe to be essential changes to the structure of the America’s Cup. This evolution will retain the competition’s unmatched history and appeal while enabling it to compete on today’s increasingly competitive modern sports landscape. Our passion for this competition remains as strong as ever.”

• “Stars+Stripes USA, led by members Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield, will carry forward with their plans to challenge for the 37th America’s Cup. We wish them the best of luck. They represent the future of American yachting.”