American Racing
Challenger Team USA

Representing Sail Newport, American Racing Challenger Team USA announced their challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in April 2026 having acquired the assets of American Magic, a Challenger in AC37 in Barcelona. Those assets included the AC75 ‘Patriot’ plus two AC40 yachts and the team will begin by evaluating a large squad of invited trialists at the new American Magic Performance Centre in May.

The vision of entrepreneurs Karel Komárek and Chris Welch, American Racing Challenger Team USA, is led by American yachtsman Ken Read, two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and one of the world’s most accomplished and respected sailors. 

Adding strength to the management team is double Olympic gold medallist and four time Finn Gold Cup winner Giles Scott who was appointed as Sailing Director at the end of April 2026.

The United States holds a unique and dominant place in America’s Cup history, having first won the trophy in 1851 and successfully defended it for 132 years - the longest winning streak in sporting history. 

Despite these deep ties, prior to the confirmation of American Racing Challenger Team USA, the 2027 edition was set to mark the first time the competition would take place without a U.S. team. The return of an American challenge reflects both the extraordinary legacy of the Cup and a renewed ambition for the United States to compete once again at the highest level of the sport.

At launch, American Racing Challenger Team USA and Sail Newport also announced that US Sailing would join the initiative. Together, the partners have a vision to strengthen pathways into the sport, with a shared commitment to supporting youth development and expanding opportunities for female sailors, ensuring a more inclusive and accessible future for American sailing.

Further team announcements are expected in due course.