Auckland-born Phil Robertson is back on the America’s Cup stage, named as helmsman for Tudor Team Alinghi’s campaign at the 38th America’s Cup preliminary regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia, starting May 21.
Robertson, who grew up sailing with his family in Auckland and started competitive racing at just 10 years old, brings a formidable match racing pedigree to the Swiss challenger. A World Match Racing Tour champion in 2016 and 2019, and a two-time M32 World Champion representing New Zealand and China, he has spent recent seasons as a SailGP driver for Canada and, most recently, Red Bull Italy.
His connection to Alinghi is not new. Robertson served as coach of the team during the 37th America’s Cup campaign and now steps up to the helm as the team rebuilds for its fifth Cup campaign.
Tudor Team Alinghi confirmed its participation in the 38th America’s Cup at the end of December 2025, and has since grown from a skeleton crew of seven to around 50 team members. The squad for Sardinia is led by Olympic and multiple world champion Paul Goodison (GBR) as skipper and helmsman, with Robertson joined by Nathalie Brugger (SUI), Nicolas Rolaz (SUI), Pietro Sibello (ITA), and Jason Waterhouse (AUS).
The team is currently training in Barcelona on the waters that hosted the last Cup, testing sailor configurations on its AC40s ahead of the move to Italy in mid-May.
“We’ve been sailing in this line-up for only a week,” said Team Director Technical and Sailing Dave Endean. “We are rebuilding the team by combining highly experienced sailors with younger talent. We see ourselves as playing catch-up and know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but that is exactly what motivates us.”
The 38th America’s Cup is scheduled for Naples in spring-summer 2027.
