American Racing Challenger Team USA

American Racing Challenger Team USA and Sail Newport

News Highlights

American Racing Challenger Team USA, representing Sail Newport, has been confirmed as an Official Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, marking a major moment in the resurgence of American sailing on the global stage.

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

“In American Racing Challenger Team USA, we have found a partner that shares our mission and values, and one that can help bring Sail Newport’s long-standing spirit and energy in the sport of sailing towards challenging for the 38th America’s Cup. Sail Newport was founded when the America’s Cup left Newport in 1983 to keep sailing strong and accessible. To now be part of the America’s Cup at the highest level is incredibly meaningful for us. Our organization was built to open the sport to everyone, and that mission continues to guide everything we do today,” says Chris Long, President of the Board, Sail Newport.

The United States holds a unique and dominant place in America’s Cup history, having first won the trophy in1851 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.

American Racing Challenger Team USA and Sail Newport are also delighted to welcome US Sailing to the initiative. Together, the partners will work 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 details on the official team launch will be announced in due course, The news represents a significant milestone for US-based sailing fans and America’s Cup enthusiasts around the world.

Sail Newport and the American Racing Challenger Team USA - Q & A

Does this change Sail Newport into a yacht club?

No. Sail Newport’s mission, structure, and public access model remain unchanged as a community sailing center.

The use of the term “yacht club” is specific to the America’s Cup framework and does not change how we operate.

What is Sail Newport's role in the America's Cup?

Sail Newport is the challenging sailing club for American Racing Challenger Team USA.

We serve as the official club representing the challenge. The team manages and operates the campaign

Why is Sail Newport involved in the America's Cup?

This is an opportunity to showcase community sailing and Sail Newport’s mission on a global stage and continue to elevate Newport’s role in the sailing world as we have in the past by hosting the Volvo/ Ocean Race Stopovers and the America’s Cup World Series.

How does this support Sail Newport's mission?

By connecting community sailing to the highest level of competition, we inspire participation and expand awareness of the accessibility to sailing for all.

Who is running the America's Cup team?

The campaign is operated by American Racing Challenger Team USA. They are fully responsible for all team operations, including sailing, design, staffing, and funding

Who is behind the Challenge?

The American Racing Challenger Team USA is led by Karel Komárek and Chris Welch. Very successful international business leaders supporting a fully funded U.S. challenge. The team includes experienced America’s Cup professionals, including Ken Read as CEO.

Does this create any financial or operational risk for Sail Newport?

No.

Sail Newport is not funding or operating the campaign. The structure includes legal protections, indemnification, and insurance for Sail Newport.

How much is Sail Newport contributing financially?

Nothing.

Sail Newport has no financial responsibilities for the campaign.

Are Sail Newport's programs changing?

No.

All programs—including youth, adult, school, and community programs will continue as they are today.

Will programs like the Pell School Science & Sailing Program continue?

Absolutely.

Programs like Pell are central to our mission and remain a top priority.

Will Sail Newport staff be involved in the campaign?

Sail Newport staff will remain focused on our mission, programs, and day-to-day operations.

At the same time, there will be some coordination—particularly in areas like leadership, communications, and storytelling— to help share Sail Newport’s role in the challenge in a way that supports our mission and community impact.

How does this benefit Newport and the local sailing community?

It brings global visibility to Newport and strengthens its role as a leading sailing destination.

It also inspires the next generation by connecting local sailors to the highest level of the sport.

Could the America's Cup return to Newport?

That decision is no longer solely made by the winning team. The America’s Cup event organizers have the responsibility to choose the venue for future events.

However, Sail Newport’s involvement reinforces Newport’s position in the global sailing conversation.

How can I get involved with Sail Newport?

The best way to get involved is by becoming a member of Sail Newport.

Membership directly supports our mission of providing public access to sailing and helps us continue to grow programs for youth, adults, and the broader community. We offer individual, household, senior, military, student and family memberships.

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We offer individual, household, and business membership options, and Every membership helps expand access to the water.