Is this exactly what the USA needs?

Published on August 4th, 2025

As they wait for the terms of the 38th America’s Cup to be revealed, 2-time challenger New York Yacht Club American Magic is collaborating with Finnish boat builder Nautor Swan on a new project from the team base in Pensacola, FL.

When the city approved a 10-year lease in February 2024, American Magic was required to maintain occupancy of the building with 120 new jobs for at least four years. To help fulfill the terms, their base will be building Nautor Swan’s Juan K designed ClubSwan 28 class boat.

“This is about more than just racing,” reports American Magic leader Terry Hutchinson. “It’s a platform for performance, growth, and a new chapter in U.S. sailing, one where top-tier design meets grassroots development and opportunity.”

To launch the new boat in the USA, the ClubSwan 28 American Series will provide a high-performance racing circuit in 2026. The eight-event regatta calendar will extend from February to November, with six events in Pensacola and two in Newport, RI. The final event will be the Class World Championship.

“Nautor Swan has such a history of being a great boatbuilder,” said Hutchinson. “But with the new ClubSwan 28, they’ve evolved their timeless design into something that speaks directly to today’s high-performance sailors. It’s fast, simple and competitive – exactly what this country needs.”

Federico Michetti, Head of Nautor Swan Sport Activities, adds how the ClubSwan 28 is a compact yet powerful one-design boat.

“Our goal was to create a fun, fast, and safe entry point for sportsboat enthusiasts. The result is a high-performance yacht that appeals to both professional crews and Corinthian owner-drivers, providing a gateway into the wider Nautor Swan community.”

The boat certainly looks appealing, no doubt fun, and a boost to the professional crew industry. Just need buyers… standing by.

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