HomeSailingAmerica's CupAmerican Magic establishes permanent high-performance base in Pensacola

American Magic establishes permanent high-performance base in Pensacola

Written by

The American Magic High Performance Center opened in Pensacola, Florida, on Wednesday. The facility becomes the base for the American Magic sailing programme and carries the team’s name, but it is not attached to a specific America’s Cup campaign.

There was no announcement of a future Cup entry. Instead, NYYC American Magic confirmed the centre will be used year-round for sailing and technical activity across a range of programmes.

In late October 2025, American Magic confirmed it would not enter the 38th America’s Cup in Naples. The team said the current Protocol and Partnership Agreement did not support a sustainable challenge and stated that its work would continue from a new base in Pensacola.

That base is now in operation. The $20.8 million facility covers 56,000 square feet on Pensacola Bay and includes direct water access, engineering and composite space, repair areas, and accommodation for racing yachts. Parts of the site are still being fitted out, with additional equipment and boats expected in the coming weeks.

- Advertisement, article continues below -

The centre is not limited to American Magic. Local officials have described it as a long-term investment for the region. The team has said the site will support around 170 skilled roles, including sailing and technical positions.

The facility can also be used for AC40 programmes, including Women’s and Youth teams that now form part of the America’s Cup structure, as well as Olympic and development activity. Those programmes operate independently of an AC75 campaign.

The Pensacola site gives American Magic a permanent operational base. Whether that base is used for another full America’s Cup challenge remains open.

https://www.americanmagic.com/en/news/218_American-Magic-Opens-High-Performance-Center-in-Pensacola.html

Share this
Taihoro sailing at 50 knots /// AC75 America's Cup training
America's Cup

Why the AC75 hull is now a fuselage, not a hull

Naval architect Juan Kouyoumdjian, unattached to any team this cycle, explains w...
Read more
America's Cup

A backroom deal that kept Dennis Conner alive

Thirty years ago, a defender trial in San Diego produced a result few expected. ...
Read more
Andrew Davis and the America's Cup (small). Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates. // Supplied
America's Cup

Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews partnership with Emirates

Toyota New Zealand has renewed its longstanding partnership with Emirates Team N...
Read more

Comments

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand. Subscribe to view comments and join the conversation. Choose your plan →

This conversation is moderated by Boating New Zealand.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

Follow us

Recent articles