America's Cup, USA returns with a new team
The challenge for the 38th Louis Vuitton America's Cup has finally been launched by the newly formed American Challenger Team, rising from the ashes of American Magic. The club presenting the challenge is the Yacht Club Sail Newport. The leader is Ken Read, the backers Karel Komarek and Chirs Welch
So in the end it is all true and the wait, with the extension of the date for the presentation of the challenges, has been served and the Americans are not leaving the America's Cup as had been feared. It also happens with good peace of mind for those who were quick to write, not Il Sole 24 Ore, that with the exit of the New York Yacht Club there would be no American participant. This new American challenge is a fortune for the top event and is the result of the work of all the teams that have created the America's Cup Partnership of which the manager Marzio Perrelli, a man with great experience in the worlds of communication and television, was appointed CEO a few days ago.
A few more days and the challengers could be joined by an Australian team.
The American team was born with the materials of American Magic, the team that was the protagonist of the 2021 and 2024 challenges and did not submit challenges to participate in the SailGp circuit. To the new team go the AC 75 Patriot (the one from the 2021 edition, which had capsized and was rebuilt) the AC 40, resources that will allow the team to be present in Naples in 2027. Chris Welch and Karel Komarek are the team's financial backers, the latter of whom in recent weeks has shown interest in acquiring shares in the Ferretti Group, in order to attain a significant share of the share package. Just a few days ago came the news that Piero Ferrari would be willing to sell his share, just under 5% to Komarek, who has assets estimated at around $10 billion.
Marzio Perrelli, CEO of America's Cup Partnership, in a way makes his first public outing and welcomes the crew: "We enthusiastically welcome a solid and highly competitive team. American Racing Challenger Team USA can count on an experienced management team and has already acquired important technical assets from American Magic. These elements make them a top opponent. We are ready to collaborate with them in the next steps".
Here is Karel Komárek, Founder & President, American Racing Challenger Team USA: "The America's Cup represents the pinnacle of innovation, performance and international competition in sailing. We are proud to bring an American challenger back to the centre of this historic event. We made this decision after much reflection and with the clear intention of only going forward with the right partners. Sail Newport's history, its commitment not only to the most prestigious competitions but also to the day-to-day development of the industry, as well as its focus on the accessibility of the sport, made it the ideal partner for us.
