Riptide Racing Targets the 38th America’s Cup: A New U.S. Challenge Takes Shape
Riptide Racing Targets the 38th America’s Cup: A New U.S. Challenge Takes Shape
Riptide Racing, in partnership with the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, has officially announced its intention to challenge for the 38th America’s Cup in 2027. The U.S.-based team, headquartered in Oyster Bay (NY), confirmed that it has begun the process required to meet the Late Entry Deadline of January 31st, 2026, supported by investors, partners, and its established network of backers.
According to the announcement, the current regulatory framework of the America’s Cup – including the Protocol and the America’s Cup Partnership – provides a viable path for a project that remains extremely complex but is considered achievable by the team.
A Project Built Around Chris Poole
The initiative is centered on World #1 Match Race skipper Chris Poole, CEO and helmsman of Riptide Racing, who describes America’s Cup participation as “a dream and a goal since the creation of the team.”
Poole highlights how the evolution of the Cup – particularly with the introduction of foiling – has opened new opportunities for American sailors and attracted a broader audience. In an edition that may not feature an established U.S. team, Riptide Racing sees a chance to bring the Auld Mug back to the country where the competition was born.
Acquiring an Existing AC75 to Accelerate the Campaign
The operational plan calls for the acquisition of an existing AC75 package, including technical assets and infrastructure from one of the current Cup teams. This approach is intended to give Riptide Racing immediate access to validated design data and proven platforms, allowing the team to compete at a high level from the outset.
To launch the campaign, the team has set a fundraising target of 50 million dollars, a figure deemed necessary to line up competitively for the 38th America’s Cup. The American Sailboat Racing Foundation, already a supporter of previous Riptide Racing initiatives, will also contribute to the fundraising effort.
The Role of the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club
Founded in 1871, the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club has a long tradition in competitive sailing and a historic connection to the Cup: the renowned “Seawanhaka Rule” was adopted between 1893 and 1903.
Commodore Julian Fisher states: “We are excited to support Chris Poole and Riptide Racing in their attempt to challenge for the 38th America’s Cup. The team has been number one in match racing for the past four years, and the America’s Cup is still, at its core, a match race. The Club will do everything it can to support Chris and his team in meeting the January 31, 2026 entry deadline.”
Next Steps
Over the coming weeks, more information on the team will be released. The immediate focus is on securing the funding required through individual and corporate support, a condition essential to formalizing the challenge before the deadline.
Founded in 2012, Riptide Racing arrives at this milestone after notable performances on the World Match Racing Tour and considers the 38th America’s Cup the next step in its sporting progression.
Further updates will be available at riptideracing.com.
©PressMare - All rights reserved
