ARC Team USA Unveils Founding America’s Cup AC75 Sailing Squad

ARC Team USA has announced the first six sailors selected to its founding AC75 sailing squad, bringing together a blend of Olympic success, America’s Cup experience and emerging talent as the team continues its campaign toward the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples.

The initial lineup comprises Lucas Calabrese, Riley Gibbs, Hans Henken, Harry Melges IV, Michael Menninger and Louisa Nordstrom, a group whose collective experience spans the Olympic Games, SailGP and the America’s Cup. Together, they represent the first six sailors selected to the team’s AC75 campaign as preparations accelerate toward Naples.

“This group represents exactly what we’re trying to build. They bring world-class experience, proven performance at the highest levels of our sport and the potential to help shape the future of American sailing. As we continue to build our challenge, we’re committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of talent and establishing a program that can compete at the highest level for years to come. Each of these sailors has demonstrated not only exceptional ability on the water, but also the versatility, work ethic and mindset required to help build something bigger than a single campaign.” - Ken ReadARC Team USA CEO

More than a collection of accomplished sailors, the founding squad represents the beginning of a new chapter for American sailing. Combining elite international experience with emerging talent, the group forms the foundation of a long-term vision to build a world-class American program capable of competing for the America’s Cup while inspiring the next generation of sailors.

Drawn from the Olympic Games, SailGP and the America’s Cup, the six sailors bring experience from the highest levels of the sport, reflecting ARC Team USA’s commitment to combining proven performance with future potential as it builds toward Naples.

ARC Team USA Sailing Director Giles Scott said the selection reflected the team’s ambition to build a group capable of growing and evolving throughout the campaign.

“We’ve deliberately selected sailors who bring a balance of experience, talent and long-term potential. Between them, this group has competed and succeeded at the very highest levels of our sport, but what really stands out is their toughness, versatility and willingness to keep learning and developing. Just as importantly, they understand what it takes to contribute to a high-performing team. We’re building a squad rather than defining fixed roles from day one. The America’s Cup demands adaptable athletes who can evolve alongside the program, and we believe this group gives us an incredibly strong foundation to build the team from. We have a hugely talented team, and our focus now is on harnessing that potential, building the strongest possible group and continuing to raise our level as we work toward Naples.” - Giles ScottARC Team USA Sailing Director