New US challenger confirmed for 2027 America’s Cup
Karel Komárek (left) and Chris Welch, co-founders of American Racing Challenger Team USA
American Racing Challenger Team USA has been confirmed as an official challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, representing Challenging Yacht Club Sail Newport.
The team is financially backed by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek and British entrepreneur Chris Welch, and will be led by American sailor Ken Read, who serves as CEO. Read is a two-time Rolex Yachtsman of the Year with experience across multiple America’s Cup campaigns.
Komárek founded KKCG, an international investment group with interests in energy, technology, entertainment and maritime ventures, and also competes regularly in offshore racing at an international level. KKCG is a major shareholder at Ferretti Group, and has recently been embroiled in a dispute with the Italian boatbuilder over an attempted takeover bid.
Welch is the founder of ESB Holdings, and has experience brokering commercial agreements in Formula One, including work with McLaren Racing, Ferrari and Williams Racing.
The confirmation secures a United States entry for the 2027 edition, after American Magic pulled out of the cup in 2025, leaving the US with no entry for a period of time. If things had remained as they were, it would have been the first time in the event’s 175-year history that an American boat had not taken part. The United States first won the America’s Cup in 1851 and held the trophy for 132 years.
The America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) was formed in 2025 to create a joint governance and commercial framework to manage the event on a long-term basis.
Marzio Perrelli, newly appointed chief executive of ACP, says: “Having a strong representative team from the USA is something that we welcome, and 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 team has already secured sailing assets from American Magic, including the AC75 yacht Patriot and two AC40 platforms. These will form the basis of its preparation for the 38th America’s Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Naples in spring 2027.
Komárek says: “The America’s Cup represents the pinnacle of sailing innovation, performance and international competition. We are proud to bring an American contender back to the forefront of this historic event. This is a decision we have approached with great care and clear intent: we would only move forward with the right partners in place. Sail Newport’s pedigree, and its commitment not only to elite competition but also to the grassroots development of American sailing and expanding access to the sport, made it an inspiring partner.”
Welch adds: “This opportunity extends far beyond competition, it’s about seizing a rare chance to help shape the opening chapter of a new era in America’s Cup history. With extraordinary momentum building behind the cup, Karel and I are proud to play a role in returning the world’s most successful nation to this iconic stage, alongside some of America’s most powerful and recognisable brands.”
Grant Dalton, chair of America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) says: “We are delighted to confirm Sail Newport, represented by American Racing Challenger Team USA as the American Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup. The return of a strong US challenger is not only fantastic for the overall event and spirit of the competition but it’s amazing for fans around the world.”
