America’s Cup: Big steps for France

by Craig Leweck, Scuttlebutt Sailing News
It was several years ago, during a dermatology appointment, when I asked about skin care products. Sailing is not kind to the skin, and 50+ years on the water, not doing enough, had not helped. I adore my derm, and she directed me to La Roche-Posay products.

I am now religious about using their Daily Facial Moisturizer (with Sunscreen SPF 30) and Anti-Aging Eye Cream, and while I don’t expect to reverse my years of abuse, I am holding ground. Why am I sharing this testimonial? Because the French America’s Cup effort, previously known as K-Challenge, is now the La Roche-Posay Racing Team.

“We share with the French team values of innovation, collective performance, and the quest for excellence,” says Alexandra Reni-Catherine, International General Manager La Roche-Posay. “It’s very simple: if La Roche-Posay can protect and repair athletes’ skin in extreme conditions, it can protect all skins, everywhere.”

There was also big news about the sailing program as Philippe Presti (FRA) assumes the role of Sporting Director for the La Roche-Posay Racing Team. A multi-title winner at the world and European levels, with seven America’s Cup appearances including two victories in 2010 and 2013, Presti has participated in the most prestigious campaigns in international sailing.

Quentin Delapierre returns from the 2024 campaign as skipper and one of the drivers of the AC75. An Olympian and a regular on the high-speed circuits, he has forged solid experience in foiling boats over the past few years, whether in the Nacra 17, the SailGP championship, or the 37th America’s Cup. This trajectory has led him to take the reins of an ambitious project in this prestigious and demanding world.

Around him, the team is composed of sailors who, some already familiar with the intensity of the America’s Cup. The Franco-New Zealander Jason Saunders, winner of the Youth America’s Cup in 2013 and competing in the 37th edition with the French team as well as on the SailGP circuit, brings his expertise as a skilled trimmer.

Briton Leigh McMillan also boasts extensive experience at the world and Olympic levels in the Tornado class, as well as in SailGP and the America’s Cup, having participated in several campaigns with the British challenge team, winners of the last Louis Vuitton Cup and finalists in the 37th America’s Cup.

The biggest news comes from the recruitment of the Franco-Spanish duo Diego Botín and Florian Trittel, Olympic champions in the 49er class at the Paris 2024 Games and winners of the Season 4 SailGP Championship in 2024. With Botin on the helm and Trittel on wing trim, this pair bring a culture and tactical precision honed at the highest level.

“We are exactly where we wanted to be according to our five-year vision: K-Challenge is a sustainable organization that didn’t stop after the 37th America’s Cup,” said Bruno Dubois, co-CEO of K-Challenge. “We were able to retain our core team and attract others to join us.”

La Roche-Posay Racing Team’s sailing crew:
Quentin Delapierre (FRA) — Skipper / Driver
Diego Botín (ESP/FRA) — Driver
Enzo Balanger (FRA) — Driver
Jason Saunders (NZL) — Trimmer
Florian Trittel (ESP) — Trimmer
Leigh McMillan (GBR) — Trimmer
Bruno Mourniac (FRA) — Trimmer
Tim Lapauw (FRA) — Trimmer
Amélie Grassi (FRA) — Trimmer

Team information: https://www.k-challenge.fr/en/home

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. 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
• La Roche-Posay Racing Team (FRA) – 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.