In a stunning twist that will go down in sailing history, American Magic – the U.S. team created to bring the Cup back to America – has announced it will not compete in the next America’s Cup, scheduled for 2027 in Naples.
For the first time in 175 years, the United States will be absent from the world’s oldest sailing competition – a decision that marks the end of an era and raises serious questions about the event’s future.
The team’s statement described the decision as the result of “long discussions with the organizers and other syndicates,” concluding that the current format does not ensure the conditions needed for a truly competitive and sustainable campaign. Between the lines lies the growing difficulty of participating in an event that has become increasingly complex, expensive, and technologically demanding.
Representing the New York Yacht Club, American Magic had returned to the Cup after several absences, investing heavily in research and innovation. Despite solid progress in Auckland 2021 and Barcelona 2024, escalating costs and a protocol seen as unfavorable ultimately convinced the team to step away.
The withdrawal carries both symbolic and sporting weight. The U.S. dominated the America’s Cup for 132 straight years – from 1851 to 1983 – shaping the competition’s very identity with legendary yachts like Enterprise, Intrepid, and Stars & Stripes. Their absence in 2027 signals a deep shift in the balance of world sailing and deals a blow to the event’s prestige.
Without an American contender, the regatta loses a significant portion of its audience and sponsorship appeal. Yet, this setback could become a turning point – a chance to rethink the Cup’s structure, make it more accessible, and open the door to new nations eager to embrace the challenge of the AC75 era.
For Naples, hosting the 2027 edition is both an honor and a test. The city will stand at the center of the sailing world, showing that the America’s Cup can thrive – even without the stars and stripes on the starting line.
