ARC Team USA strengthens sailing squad

America’s Cup challenger ARC Team USA has strengthened its sailing squad with the additions of Annie Haeger and Ben Rosenberg as the team builds towards the 2027 selection series in Naples, Italy.

Haeger was a member of the US Olympic Sailing Team at Rio 2016, where she finished seventh in the women’s 470 class alongside Briana Provancha. She was named US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year in 2015 and Women’s College Sailor of the Year in 2011. A six-time national champion, she also won gold at the 2015 Olympic Test Event in Rio and has been a member of the Canada SailGP Team.

“Representing the United States at the highest level of sailing is always an incredible privilege,” noted Haeger. “There’s so much talent and ambition within this team, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the challenge ahead. I also hope that seeing more women competing at this level inspires the next generation to aim just as high.”

Her appointment brings a wealth of international racing experience, technical knowledge, and competitive versatility to ARC Team USA, while further strengthening the representation of accomplished female athletes within the American challenge.

Rosenberg takes on the dual role of AC75 sailor and Performance Analyst. Having grown up sailing on the waters of Newport, RI, he previously worked with both the Youth and senior American Magic teams. His experience combines high-performance sailing with specialist expertise in data analytics, using real-time performance insights to accelerate development and help the team maximize every opportunity on the water.

“After spending so many years representing Sail Newport, joining an America’s Cup team flying the same burgee is pretty special,” said Rosenberg. “The opportunity to combine sailing with performance analysis at this level is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working so hard to put America back at the forefront of the sport.”

Ahead of the Preliminary Regatta in Naples last month, ARC Team USA also welcomed Anderson Reggio as Senior Coach. Reggio will work closely with the entire sailing squad throughout the winter, helping to accelerate development, refine performance, and maximize preparation ahead of the team’s 2027 America’s Cup campaign.

Further announcements will also follow in the coming weeks, including the introduction of the team’s Youth and Women’s America’s Cup squads.

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.

For the 38th America’s Cup, the AC75 has a helm and trimmer on each side of the boat along with a fifth crew position and a sixth passenger position.

38th America’s Cup: https://www.americascup.com/

38th America’s Cup 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
• Team Australia (AUS) – Challenger

After the 2024 event, Barcelona, Spain declined hosting another edition, with the venue moved to Naples, Italy. Challenger racing is May 22 to July 4 before the 38th Match on July 10-19. Full details.

Preliminary Regattas:*
May 22-24, 2026 – Cagliari, Italy
September 24-27 – Naples, Italy

* The Protocol noted how there would be as many Preliminary Regattas as possible, with the intent to have three during 2026 and one possibly in early 2027, and a final event at the Match Venue immediately prior to the challenger series. Only two have been thus far revealed.