After more than 25 years, former winner Australia is back in sailing's America's Cup

TL;DR

Australia is returning to the America's Cup after over 25 years, with Team Australia confirmed as a challenger for the 38th edition in Naples, Italy. Olympic gold medalist Tom Slingsby will lead the sailing team, and Grant Simmer, a member of the 1983 winning team, is the CEO.

Key points

Australia returns to the America's Cup after 25 years
Team Australia confirmed as a challenger for the 38th America's Cup
Tom Slingsby appointed head of sailing for Team Australia
Grant Simmer named CEO of Team Australia
New rules require at least one female sailor in each race crew

Mentioned in this story

Tom SlingsbyGrant SimmerNaples, Italy

Team AustraliaAmerica's Cup

FILE - Team Australia skipper Tom Slingsby speaks during an interview with The Associated Press ahead of the Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, on July 20, 2023, at the Port of the Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) Australia is returning to the America's Cup for the first time in more than 25 years. Sydney's Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club on Thursday confirmed that its challenge with Team Australia for the 38th America’s Cup, to be held next year in Naples, Italy, had been accepted. It is among a number of challengers, including one from the United States. Team Australia also confirmed that Olympic gold medalist Tom Slingsby, who races for an Australian team in SailGP series, will join the syndicate as head of sailing. Three-time America's Cup winner Glenn Ashby is the team's head of performance and design. “The opportunity to represent Australia in the America’s Cup with an Australian team is something that genuinely means a lot to me,” Slingsby said. “It’s been a dream throughout my career to be part of bringing Australia back to the Cup in a meaningful way.” Grant Simmer, a member of the winning Australia II campaign in 1983 that ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak in the America's Cup, has been appointed as chief executive officer of Team Australia. “For me, this campaign is both deeply personal and incredibly exciting,” Simmer said in a statement. “I first became involved in the America’s Cup in the early 1980s and was fortunate to be part of the . . . team that changed the course of the Cup forever.” The last official Australian challenger was the Young Australia syndicate in the 2000 America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. Australian sailors and designers have featured in the winning teams of the United States, Switzerland and New Zealand since, but there has been no team flying under the Australian flag.

New Zealand's three-peat

Team New Zealand won the 37th America's Cup in October 2024, defeating INEOS Britannia 7-2 in Barcelona, Spain. Representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, the Kiwis secured their third consecutive victory. Team New Zealand will face the winner of the challenger series in a best-of-13 match final starting in July 2027.

Q&A

When is the 38th America's Cup taking place?

The 38th America's Cup will be held next year in Naples, Italy.

Who is leading Team Australia in the America's Cup?

Tom Slingsby, an Olympic gold medalist, is leading Team Australia as head of sailing.

What are the new rules for the America's Cup 2024?

The new rules require at least one female sailor to be included in each race crew for the America's Cup 2024.

After more than 25 years, former winner Australia is back in sailing's America's Cup

TL;DR

Key points

New Zealand's three-peat

Q&A

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