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K-Challenge has made official the French Challenger's commitment to the 38th America's Cup, to be held in Naples in 2027. A founding member of the event's new governance, the team led by Stéphan Kandler and Bruno Dubois is opening a new chapter in France's adventure in the world's most prestigious sailing competition, with the clear ambition of putting France back at the forefront.
A tricolored history that's here to stay
In the America's Cup, nothing is improvised. Successful campaigns are built over the long term, over successive engagements. K-Challenge is a perfect illustration of this. Already present in 2007 with Areva Challenge, then in 2024 under the colors of Orient Express Racing Team, the French structure approaches this new campaign with reinforced maturity.
Now based in Lorient, K-Challenge has established itself as a key player in French Sport-Tech applied to top-level sailing. By becoming a founding member of the new America's Cup organization, the team confirms its role in structuring the French presence at the highest international level, at the crossroads of sporting performance, technological innovation and human excellence.
A transformed America's Cup, shared governance
The 38th America's Cup marks a historic turning point. For the first time in 174 years, the teams involved have chosen to come together under a common umbrella: the America's Cup Partnership (ACP). This new form of governance breaks with the traditional Defender-centric model and establishes collective decision-making, with each founding team having an equal vote.
The aim is to preserve the DNA and heritage of the America's Cup, while ensuring greater stability, greater public awareness and enhanced international development. K-Challenge, a key player in this transformation from the outset, intends to take full advantage of this new framework to build a sustainable and competitive project.
A new challenge supported by French expertise
From a sporting point of view, K-Challenge is firmly based on French know-how, while remaining open to international expertise. France has a recognized pool of sailors, engineers, designers and préparateurs from ocean racing, Olympic sailing and foiler classes.
The next few months will be devoted to building a solid crew, centered around leader Quentin Delapierre, while integrating new talent, notably from the K-Challenge Akademy. The aim is clear: to build a team capable of competing with the best international teams, both on the water and in the design office.
In just under two years' time, the next battle for the Aiguière d'Argent will be fought in the Bay of Naples. A demanding, spectacular and strategic stretch of water, where reading the conditions, technological reliability and navigational precision will be decisive.
K-Challenge no longer presents itself as a mere outsider. With a clear vision, a strengthened organization and an assumed ambition, the French Challenger is shaping up to be a credible and closely watched opponent, determined to put France back at the heart of the fight for the most prestigious of cups.
