The 38th America's Cup in Naples will feature an American challenger after the official confirmation of American Racing Challenger Team USA. The team, backed by Czech billionaire Karel Komarek, will represent the Challenging Yacht Club Sail Newport based in Rhode Island.
This announcement returns United States sailing to the forefront of international competition after speculation that the 2027 event might proceed without American participation. The team has been formally recognized as an Official Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
The challenge brings the total number of teams challenging Team New Zealand to five. They will compete against GB1 (Great Britain), Luna Rossa (Italy), Tudor Team Alinghi (Switzerland), and La Roche-Posay Racing Team (France).
Veteran American sailor Ken Read will lead the team as skipper. The two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year brings extensive experience and respect within global sailing circles. "This project represents exactly what American sailing needs right now," Read stated in the team's announcement.
The team has acquired all assets from American Magic, including the AC75 Patriot and AC40 boats. This strategic acquisition provides immediate technical resources and competitive equipment for their campaign.
American Racing Challenger Team USA will partner with Sail Newport and US Sailing in developing youth programs and enhancing opportunities for female sailors. "Together, we'll work to support and develop the youth sector and strengthen opportunities for women sailors to ensure greater accessibility and inclusion in the future of American competitive sailing," a team representative explained.
The United States holds a unique position in America's Cup history, having won the first edition in 1851 and successfully defending the trophy for 132 consecutive years—the longest winning streak in sports history.
Despite these deep roots, the 2027 edition risked being the first without American participation until this challenge was confirmed. The participation of an American challenger not only reinforces this extraordinary connection with the Cup but reflects the renewed ambition of the United States to demonstrate its value at the highest levels of the sport.
The America's Cup represents the pinnacle of yacht racing competition, with the 2027 event scheduled to take place in Naples, Italy. The American team's entry ensures the continued presence of the nation that gave the competition its name and dominated its early history.
