Questions swirl regarding USA retreat

Since the news that American Magic (USA) would not compete in the 38th edition of the America’s Cup, questions have swirled as to why. French engineer Dimitri Despierres, head of the mechatronics department for the US team, shares this with Sailorz website:

We knew since the end of June that the question of participation was being raised, insofar as it was subject to a Partnership being established—which happened with the recent announcements. Knowing that it was Doug DeVos who, during the last Cup and at the end, had brought the challengers together to further professionalize and commercialize the event, so that it would become more financially viable for the participants.

We knew it was 50/50, but when you see time passing, you understand that if you’re not fully engaged while Prada (Luna Rossa) or Team New Zealand are, you’re just falling behind. So at one point, I started to have big doubts, but I still found it hard to believe that we wouldn’t go, in the sense that, with the new rules, I didn’t see any obstacle to us being competitive for the next edition.

When you have these assets, that you don’t have to build a hull, but “just” to manufacture foils, with the added possibility of being competitive in terms of sailors, you tell yourself that the Cup won’t ultimately cost you much, so you ask why you aren’t going. – Full report

Details: https://www.americascup.com/

Defender New Zealand and Challenger of Record from Great Britain confirmed the Protocol for the 38th America’s Cup on August 12, 2025. No additional challenge entries have yet been revealed, while American Magic will not compete.

The close of the initial entry period was October 31, 2025, with late entries considered up to January 31, 2026. If no USA team participates in the 38th America’s Cup, it will be the first time in the event’s 175-year history.

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy . Racing will be in the spring and summer of 2027.