America’s Cup: Giles Scott hired by USA

The USA America’s Cup challenge has looked to Great Britain to jump start their late entry, with American Racing Challenger Team USA hiring Giles Scott as Sailing Director, a key leadership role as the team ramps up preparations for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

The 39-year-old British double Olympic gold medalist and four-time Finn Gold Cup winner held this position for the 2024 America’s Cup with the British challenge Britannia which lost to New Zealand in the 37th Match. Scott will play an integral role in shaping the team’s sailing program and performance strategy, working closely with leadership and crew as preparations intensify.

American Racing Challenger Team USA, representing Sail Newport, was confirmed on April 8 as an Official Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, marking a major milestone in the continued resurgence of American sailing on the global stage.

“Giles is one of the most accomplished sailors of his generation, and his experience, mindset, and attention to detail will be invaluable to this campaign,” said Ken Read CEO, American Racing Challenger Team USA. Bringing the right people together is absolutely critical to delivering on our vision, and Giles is a perfect example of the caliber we’re assembling.

“With the time frames we’re working to, getting the chemistry right from day one is essential. You need a group that can come together quickly, trust each other, and perform under extreme pressure – Giles will play a huge role in helping us build that environment.”

Leading up to the 2024 America’s Cup, Scott was helm for the British SailGP Team and was a leading candidate to be co-helm with Ben Ainslie on Britannia. After he did not get that role, he was hired by the Canada SailGP Team and has skippered that entry for the past two seasons.

Born in the United Kingdom, Scott also holds Canadian citizenship, having spent some of his early years in the country – including being introduced to sailing on the Ottawa River.

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, 2026 – Cagliari, Sardinia

* More are to be announced.

Source: American Racing Challenger Team USA