Team USA is Back: American Racing Challenger Targets 2027 America’s Cup in Naples

American Racing Challenger brings Team USA back to the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup for 2027 in Naples.

Read the full declarations and team strategy. 

The global sailing community has received the monumental confirmation it has been waiting for: Team USA is officially back in the race for the oldest and most prestigious trophy in international sport. Propelled by the newly formed American Racing Challenger syndicate, proudly representing the esteemed Sail Newport yacht club, the United States has been formally confirmed as an Official Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup.

This announcement marks a profound turning point in the modern era of competitive sailing. Prior to this historic confirmation by the American Racing Challenger, the 2027 regatta was on the precipice of becoming the first edition in the long, storied history of the competition to take place without Team USA on the starting line. Instead, the resurgence of an American challenge ensures that the nation’s extraordinary maritime legacy will continue, bringing renewed ambition and formidable competition to the global stage in Naples.

The Weight of History: Why Team USA Matters

The United States holds a profoundly unique and historically dominant place in the annals of the America’s Cup. The story began in 1851 when the schooner America famously crossed the Atlantic to win the inaugural race, claiming the trophy that would eventually bear its name. What followed was a feat unparalleled in the history of sports: a 132-year winning streak.

For over a century, Team USA successfully defended the Cup against all challengers, cementing American sailing as the undisputed pinnacle of the maritime world. The entry of the American Racing Challenger is not merely about participating in a boat race; it is about honoring this deep-rooted heritage. It reflects a fierce, renewed ambition to elevate the team back to the absolute highest tier of the sport, carrying the weight of that 132-year legacy into a brand new era of highly technical foiling competition.

American Racing Challenger: Strategic Leadership and Immediate Readiness

Building a successful America’s Cup syndicate requires an exceptional blend of visionary business acumen, vast financial resources, and uncompromising maritime expertise. The American Racing Challenger campaign is driven by the robust vision of entrepreneurs and Co-Founders Karel Komárek and Chris Welch.

Recognizing that leadership on the water is just as critical as leadership in the boardroom, they have appointed legendary yachtsman Ken Read as the team’s Chief Executive Officer. 

As a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year, Read brings decades of tactical brilliance to ensure Team USA is a dominant force.

Crucially, American Racing Challenger is not starting from zero. In a highly strategic move that signals their intent to be immediately competitive, the syndicate has already acquired key, state-of-the-art sailing assets from the former US syndicate, American Magic. 

This critical acquisition includes the remarkable AC75 foiling yacht ‘Patriot,’ alongside the team’s two highly advanced AC40 platforms. By securing these proven vessels, American Racing Challenger guarantees that Team USA will hit the water with immense momentum.

Setting the Stage: The Bay of Naples 2027

The battleground for the next iteration of the America’s Cup promises to be one of the most spectacular in the event’s history. The competition will unfold throughout the spring and summer of 2027 on the breathtaking waters of the Bay of Naples in Italy. This marks the very first time the America’s Cup will be held on Italian waters, and the entry of a fiercely determined Team USA guarantees an exceptional and hard-fought contest.

A Mission Beyond the Racecourse

While winning the Auld Mug is the ultimate objective, American Racing Challenger and Sail Newport have woven a powerful developmental mission into their campaign. Welcoming US Sailing to the initiative, the partners are committed to strengthening the pathways into competitive sailing. By utilizing the massive platform of Team USA, the syndicate aims to aggressively expand opportunities for youth and female sailors, ensuring a far more inclusive future for American sailing.