American Racing Challenger Team USA has been confirmed as an Official Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, ending what would have been an unprecedented absence of a US entry in sailing’s oldest international contest.
The team is the vision of entrepreneurs Karel Komárek and Chris Welch, and will be led by Ken Read — twice named Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and one of the most respected figures in American sailing. “We’re under no illusion about the challenges ahead,” he said, “and we’re fully focused on building a team that can win the Cup.”
The team
American Racing has acquired the AC75 Patriot and two AC40 platforms from the defunct American Magic programme — hardware that gives the team a working base rather than a blank sheet. America’s Cup Partnership CEO Marzio Perrelli said the acquisition “makes Sail Newport’s challenge a real contender.”
Komárek is direct about why the moment matters. “The America’s Cup represents the pinnacle of sailing innovation, performance, and international competition,” he said. “We would only move forward with the right partners in place. Sail Newport’s pedigree, and its commitment not only to elite competition but also to the grassroots development of American sailing, made it an inspiring partner.”
Co-founder Chris Welch sees the entry as more than a racing programme. “This opportunity extends far beyond competition — it’s about seizing a rare chance to help shape the opening chapter of a new era in America’s Cup history,” he said. “Karel and I are proud to play a role in returning the world’s most successful nation to this iconic stage.”
The Kiwi connection
Emirates Team New Zealand, who won the Cup for the third consecutive time in Barcelona in 2024, will defend in Naples. Grant Dalton, chairman of the America’s Cup Partnership, was unambiguous about the significance of the American return. “The return of a strong US challenger is not only fantastic for the overall event and spirit of the competition,” he said, “but it’s amazing for fans around the world.”
RNZYS Commodore David Blakey echoed that welcome. “Given the United States’ remarkable history in the America’s Cup and the calibre of the team they have brought together, they will be a formidable competitor and a strong addition to what is shaping up to be an exceptional and hard-fought contest.”
A history worth defending
The US holds a unique place in the event’s history, having won the trophy in 1851 and successfully defended it for 132 years — the longest winning streak in sporting history. Sail Newport was founded in 1983, the year Alan Bond’s Australia II ended America’s grip on the Cup, specifically to keep sailing alive in Rhode Island. “To now be part of the America’s Cup at the highest level is incredibly meaningful for us,” said Sail Newport president Chris Long.
Naples 2027 — and possibly Cagliari first
The Cup heads to the Bay of Naples for the Match, starting 10 July 2027 — the first time the event has been held in Italy. Whether American Racing will be on the startline for the opening Preliminary Regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia on 21–24 May remains to be confirmed. The team was announced only weeks before that event, and at the time of writing no entry has been confirmed. It would be a valuable proving ground — eleven fleet races in the one-design AC40s, with the top two teams meeting in a winner-takes-all final.
Whether they make Cagliari or go straight into AC75 preparation, Read and his crew have ground to make up on a fleet that has been racing together since Barcelona.
