The United States does not currently have a confirmed full-campaign entry for the 38th America’s Cup, and time is running out to meet the late-entry deadline at the end of January 2026.
In late October 2025, NYYC American Magic confirmed it would not contest the 2027 event in Naples. The team said the current Protocol and Partnership Agreement did not support a sustainable campaign. At the time, no alternative US challenger was announced.
Instead, in January 2026, American Magic opened a new High Performance Center on Pensacola Bay. The USD $20.8 million facility spans 56,000 square feet and includes direct water access, composite and engineering space, and accommodation for racing yachts.
American Magic establishes permanent high-performance base in Pensacola
The site has been designated as SailGP’s North American training base under an agreement running through to 2031.
SailGP establishes first long-term training base in Pensacola
American Magic has not announced any sale or lease of its America’s Cup assets. The team’s first AC75, Defiant, was retired after the 36th America’s Cup. Its second AC75, Patriot, was upgraded for the 37th Cup and remains in the team’s possession following its withdrawal from the 38th.
The AC38 Protocol requires teams to race with existing AC75 hulls and legacy components. New entrants may purchase an existing boat or build a hull to an AC37 design.
Riptide Racing has declared its intention to fill that space. Based in Oyster Bay, New York, the team plans to challenge under the burgee of Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club. The programme is led by match racing skipper Chris Poole.
Riptide is working toward the late-entry deadline of 31 January 2026. The team has outlined a campaign budget of up to USD $50 million, with approximately USD $30 million required to secure entry. Commercial agreements have begun to form. Harken has been confirmed as hardware supplier, alongside logistics partner Pindar by Manuport.
Riptide Racing adds Harken as the US syndicate’s America’s Cup bid takes shape
No AC75 platform has been identified by Riptide Racing. The number of boats available remains limited.
The late-entry deadline is approaching, and the pool of available AC75 platforms remains limited. At present, there is no confirmed United States entry for AC38, and from our standpoint, it would be a significant moment for the event to see an American team on the start line. After all, what is the America’s Cup without Americans?
