America’s Cup: New American challenger confirmed as late entry for Naples regatta

The America’s Cup will have some American involvement after all.

For a moment there, it looked as though the 2027 event in the Italian city of Naples would be the first time an America’s Cup regatta would be contested without a representative of the United States involved in racing.

Early in the cycle, two-time Cup challengers American Magic confirmed they would not be returning for the new edition.

There appeared to be some American hope when Riptide Racing announced their goal of being able to get into a position to enter a bid, but when the deadline for late entries arrived, the team confirmed they were not in a position to do so.

However, it has been a different entry that has come late to the party to fly the flag for the United States, and one that will have a familiar look to it.

Fronted by entrepreneurs Karel Komarek and Chris Welch, and led by decorated American yachtsman Ken Read as chief executive, American Racing Challenger Team USA have been confirmed as a late entry and will represent the Sail Newport yacht club.

The new American entry acquired the AC75 Patriot and two AC40s from American Magic to launch its bid, giving their campaign a strong starting point.

America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) chief executive Marzio Perrelli said a strong American challenger was a welcome addition to the fleet.

“In American Racing Challenger Team USA they have an impressive management team that have already acquired the assets of American Magic. This makes Sail Newport’s challenge a real contender and we look forward to working with the team going forward.”

The announcement comes after ACP confirmed late challenges had been entered when the deadline passed last week.

While they did not say the exact number of late entries, it is expected that at least one more team is still to be confirmed.

For the American outfit, they have not yet announced any members of their crew and it is unclear exactly when they will join the fleet, with the first preliminary regatta scheduled in Cagliari next month.

“Having the opportunity to represent the United States once again in the America’s Cup is a tremendous honour,” Read said.

“We’re under no illusion about the challenges ahead and we’re fully focused on building a team that can win the Cup. We are looking forward to building a programme that American sailors can be proud of and establishing a legacy that endures well into the future.”

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.