Australia Returns to the America’s Cup After 25 Years

Australia is officially back in the America’s Cup.

For the first time in 25 years, an Australian team has launched a challenge for sailing’s most famous trophy, entering the 38th America’s Cup to be held in Naples, Italy in 2027.

The challenge was formally issued by Sydney’s Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club to the defending Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron.

A Serious Australian Campaign

This isn’t just a symbolic entry.

The new campaign already includes some of the biggest names in Australian sailing.

Businessman John Winning Jr, known for skippering supermaxi Andoo Comanche to line honours in the 2022 Sydney to Hobart, is backing the challenge.

Joining the team is Olympic gold medallist and multiple SailGP champion Tom Slingsby, who will lead the sailing team.

Three-time America’s Cup winner Glenn Ashby has also been named head of performance and design, bringing decades of elite multihull and Cup experience to the campaign.

A Return to Sailing’s Biggest Stage

For Australian sailing fans, the announcement feels significant.

Australia has a deep history with the America’s Cup, most famously with the legendary victory of Australia II in 1983 — the campaign that ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak and changed the sport forever.

Since then, Australia’s presence in the Cup has been limited, making this new challenge feel like a genuine return to the world stage.

The Modern America’s Cup

The America’s Cup has evolved dramatically over the past decade.

Today’s AC75 foiling monohulls are capable of extraordinary speeds, lifting completely clear of the water while racing with an intensity that feels closer to Formula One than traditional yacht racing.

The combination of elite sailors, advanced engineering, and massive technical budgets makes it one of the most demanding competitions in sport.

Why This Matters

An Australian entry brings fresh energy back into the event.

With names like Slingsby and Ashby involved, expectations will naturally rise quickly — but simply seeing Australia back in the Cup again is exciting for the local sailing community.

Looking Ahead to Naples 2027

The 38th America’s Cup will take place in Naples, Italy, with teams from around the world expected to compete for the oldest trophy in international sport.

With less than two years until racing begins, the Australian campaign now moves into a critical phase of design, testing, crew development, and preparation.

And for Australian sailing fans, it feels good to finally be back.

Source: ABC News