Magic returns

“We enjoyed a successful relationship during AC36 and coming out of that competition, we reflected, assessed options, and determined that American Magic’s vision to be an ongoing competitor in the America’s Cup would benefit from partnering with the NYYC.”

The release said the American Magic syndicate would build on the foundation and experience from its AC36 campaign and had assembled an elite team with further commitments to developing talent across all areas of its sailing and business operations.

“We intend to compete in AC37 and are hungry and highly motivated to be the most innovative team on and off the water,” remarked Fauth, team principal at American Magic.

“We are proud of how our team rebounded during AC36, but we have unfinished business and are committed to investing in technology, design, innovation, and talent so we are best positioned to bring the America’s Cup home.”

The New York Yacht Club had previously dropped the American Magic syndicate in favour of the Stars and Stripes team headed by Mike Buckley and Taylor Canfield, before announcing it was pausing its involvement in AC37.

Now, according to the release, the club’s trustees approved the challenge for the 37th America’s Cup earlier this week.

“We are extremely excited to continue our quest to regain the America’s Cup with American Magic,” said the NYYC Commodore Paul M. Zabetakis.

“Upon receiving the Protocol for the 37th Match, we were pleased to find that it contains elements advocated for by the Club last spring. In addition, the Executive Committee recently received a new proposal from Doug DeVos and Hap Fauth, American Magic principals and Club members, that warranted reconsidering our earlier decision to pause our pursuit of AC37.

“The America’s Cup remains the highest peak in sailing and one of the most difficult challenges in the world of sport,” Zabedakis said.

“The lessons learned during our previous campaign, combined with American Magic’s physical and intellectual assets and a commitment to multiple cycles, will ensure we come into this challenge with a strong chance to claim sailing’s ultimate prize.”

According to the NYYC release: ‘While winning remains the primary goal, it’s not the only focal point of the campaign.’

“The Club’s involvement in AC37 must advance our foundational initiatives, including the development of America’s youth sailing talent and a commitment to increasing diversity within our sport,” said Zabetakis.

“We will also continue to push for changes to the structure of the competition that can make the event more accessible to challengers, fans and corporate partners.”

Neither of today’s releases made mention of who would lead the American campaign for the 37th America’s Cup, or who would be named as helmsman.

The team’s AC36 campaign was led by renowned American yachtsman Terry Hutchinson. Many expect British three-time foiling Moth world champion Paul Goodison will be promoted from mainsail trimmer to steer the American AC75 for the next America’s Cup cycle replacing New Zealand sailor Dean Barker.

americanmagic.americascup.com