America's Cup 2027, the surprise arrival of an American challenger

Chris Welch and Karel Komárek co-found American Racing Challenger Team USA
Chris Welch and Karel Komárek co-found American Racing Challenger Team USA © Ben Peter-Catchpole

The 2027 America's Cup is taking shape, with the arrival of an American challenger. Behind the announcement, who is at the helm of this challenger and what resources does it have at its disposal?

The return of an American challenge to the America's Cup is revitalizing both sporting and technical dynamics. In a competition in which a dollar invested late loses effectiveness, several questions are already being asked for the edition scheduled for spring and summer 2027 in Naples.

A legacy of American Magic

American Racing Challenger Team USA starts with a concrete advantage. The team takes over existing platforms, including an AC75 and two AC40s from American Magic. In Barcelona, the Patriot was eliminated in the semi-finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup, against the Italians from Prada.

In a Cup where technological development weighs heavily, having sailing units saves time. However, the composition of the team

Sports management under pressure

The project was entrusted to Ken Read, an experienced sailor and two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year. The pressure is also on the ability to structure a coherent team. And there's little margin for error.

The project is privately financed by Karel Komárek, in association with Chris Welch. The Czech billionaire, who also owns the Wally Cento V, is directly involved in the project he co-founded with Welch, providing a clear financial footing from the outset of the campaign.

No information has been divulged on the composition of the various staffs, whether onboard or shore team.

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