Oakley Capital funds America’s Cup team

Oakley Capital, which acquired North Sails in 2014, with their support later extending to Quantum Sails, Doyle Sails, Southern Spars, and Future Fibres, now adds an America’s Cup team to its portfolio.

The private equity group led by Peter Dubens is investing up to £13m ($18.2m) in Ben Ainslie’s Athena Racing (GBR) to help support its 2027 America’s Cup campaign. This is Ainslie’s fourth challenge, with this  funding filling the void after he parted ways with Jim Ratcliffe whose INEOS company supported him in 2021 and 2024.

Oakley Capital’s majority investment establishes a new ownership structure for Athena Racing and provides long-term financial stability to compete not only in the next America’s Cup but across multiple future cycles.

Ainslie will retain a significant shareholding in Athena Racing, with his shareholding forming part of the developing Athena Sports Group (ASG). ASG also comprises a majority ownership of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and The Athena Pathway Programme, formed for the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup Teams to build a pathway into high-performance sailing.

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. 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.

Current entrants:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
• Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
• Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
• K-Challenge (FRA) – Challenger

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.

Source: AR