America is in the America’s Cup

The close of the entry period for the 38th America’s Cup was October 31, 2025 which garnered challenges from Britain, France, Italy, and Switzerland. But with sufficient interest, the deadline was extended to March 31, 2026.

Event organizers noted how several late entries were submitted, and the vetting process has confirmed that a USA team – a nation that has competed in every edition – will compete again. Here is the announcement:

American Racing Challenger Team USA, representing Sail Newport, has been confirmed as an Official Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, marking a major moment in the resurgence of American sailing on the global stage.

The vision of entrepreneurs Karel Komárek and Chris Welch, American Racing Challenger Team USA, will be led by American yachtsman Ken Read, two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and one of the world’s most accomplished and respected sailors.

The United States holds a unique and dominant place in America’s Cup history, having first won the trophy in 1851 and successfully defended it for 132 years, the longest winning streak in sporting history. The return of an American challenge reflects both the extraordinary legacy of the Cup and a renewed ambition for the United States to compete once again at the highest level of the sport.

American Racing Challenger Team USA will begin its challenge on the front foot, having acquired key America’s Cup sailing assets from American Magic, including the AC75 yacht ‘Patriot’ and the team’s two AC40 platforms.

American Racing Challenger Team USA and Sail Newport are joined by US Sailing in the initiative. Together, the partners will work to strengthen pathways into the sport, with a shared commitment to supporting youth development and expanding opportunities for female sailors, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible future for American sailing.

QUOTES

Karel Komárek, Co-Founder & Chairman, American Racing Challenger Team USA:
The America’s Cup represents the pinnacle of sailing innovation, performance, and international competition. We are proud to bring an American contender back to the forefront of this historic event. This is a decision we have approached with great care and clear intent: we would only move forward with the right partners in place. Sail Newport’s pedigree, and its commitment not only to elite competition but also to the grassroots development of American sailing and expanding access to the sport, made it an inspiring partner.

Chris Welch, Co-Founder & Vice Chairman, American Racing Challenger Team USA:
This opportunity extends far beyond competition, it’s about seizing a rare chance to help shape the opening chapter of a new era in America’s Cup history. With extraordinary momentum building behind the Cup, Karel and I are proud to play a role in returning the world’s most successful nation to this iconic stage, alongside some of America’s most powerful and recognizable brands.

Ken Read, CEO, American Racing Challenger Team USA:
Having the opportunity to represent the United States once again in the America’s Cup is a tremendous honor. We’re under no illusion about the challenges ahead and we’re fully focused on building a team that can win the Cup. We are looking forward to building a program that American sailors can be proud of and establishing a legacy that endures well into the future.

Chris Long, President of Sail Newport:
In American Racing Challenger Team USA, we have found a partner that shares our mission and values, and one that can help bring Sail Newport’s long-standing spirit and energy in the sport of sailing towards challenging for the 38th America’s Cup. Sail Newport was founded when the America’s Cup left Newport in 1983 to keep sailing strong and accessible. To now be part of the America’s Cup at the highest level is incredibly meaningful for us. Our organization was built to open the sport to everyone, and that mission continues to guide everything we do today.

Editor’s note: Sail Newport is a public sailing center inside Fort Adams State Park in Newport, Rhode Island. But Sail Newport is also a recognized Club by US Sailing. This is a condition of the America’s Cup as entries must come from an organized club, and its team must represent the nation for which the club is established.

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 March 31, 2026.

Current entrants:
• Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) – Defender
• Athena Racing (GBR) – Challenger of Record
• Luna Rossa (ITA) – Challenger
• Tudor Team Alinghi (SUI) – Challenger
• La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA) – Challenger
• American Racing Challenger Team USA (USA) – Challenger

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy. Challenger racing begins in the spring before the 38th Match on July 10-18, 2027.

Preliminary Regattas:*
May 21-24 – Cagliari, Sardinia

* More are to be announced.