American Racing Challenger Team USA, representing Sail Newport, has been confirmed as the official U.S. challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup—and the team is arriving with immediate firepower, having acquired key assets from American Magic, including the AC75 yacht Patriot and two AC40 platforms.
- The confirmation ends what would have been an unprecedented absence from the sport’s most storied competition. The 2027 edition was on track to be the first America’s Cup without a U.S. team since the country first won the trophy in 1851 and held it for 132 consecutive years—the longest winning streak in sporting history. That chapter is now closed.
- Background: Last May, we broke the news that American Magic was dropping out of America’s competition.
The new team is the vision of entrepreneurs Karel Komárek and Chris Welch. Komárek is the founder of KKCG, an international investment group with holdings spanning energy, technology, entertainment and maritime ventures. He is also an accomplished competitive sailor who regularly competes at the highest levels of international offshore racing. Welch brings deep experience in structuring complex commercial deals across elite motorsport, including work with McLaren Racing, Ferrari and Williams Racing.
Leading the campaign on the water is Ken Read, two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year and one of the most respected figures in American sailing. Read is clear-eyed about what lies ahead. “We’re under no illusion about the challenges,” he said, “and we’re fully focused on building a team that can win the Cup.”
Patriot Purchased
The acquisition of American Magic’s assets—including Patriot, the AC75 that represented the United States in the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland—gives American Racing a meaningful competitive foundation as they build toward 2027. The team will not be starting from scratch. Note: There is a possibility the team may train in Pensacola.
US Sailing is also joining the initiative as a partner, with a shared commitment to youth development and expanding opportunities for female sailors across the country.
The 38th America’s Cup will be held on the Bay of Naples, Italy, in the spring and summer of 2027—the first time in the event’s 176-year history that competition will take place on Italian waters.
Grant Dalton, Chairman of America’s Cup Partnership, called the return of a U.S. challenger “fantastic for the overall event and spirit of the competition” and said it was welcome news for fans worldwide.
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