Ken Read to Lead USA's 2027 America's Cup Challenge

Former North Sails President to helm new American Racing Challenger Team USA

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:35pm

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A dynamic, cubist-style painting depicting the overlapping geometric forms and movement of an America's Cup sailing race, conveying the energy and complexity of the prestigious event.The new American challenge for the America's Cup aims to harness the sport's rich history and international prestige to inspire a new generation of U.S. sailing talent.Pensacola Today

Ken Read, the former President of North Sails since 2013, has resigned from his role to lead the USA's challenge for the 2027 America's Cup. As CEO of the newly formed American Racing Challenger Team USA, Read will assemble a team and boat to compete in the prestigious sailing event.

Why it matters

The America's Cup has long been dominated by international teams, with the last American victory coming in 2010. Read's leadership of the new USA challenge represents an opportunity to reinvigorate American sailing and inspire the next generation of sailors in the country.

The details

Read was approached by Czech billionaire Karel Komárek, who is the co-founder and chairman of the new American Racing Challenger Team USA. The team has acquired the assets of the previous American Magic challenge, including two AC40 boats and the AC75 boat from the 2024 event. While the AC75 will require significant modifications to meet new class regulations, the team is aiming to have it sailing by the fall of 2026. In the meantime, they will utilize the AC40s to ramp up their sailing program. Read's goal is to assemble a primarily American crew, drawing on the country's emerging young sailing talent, to showcase a pathway for the next generation of U.S. sailors.

  • Ken Read resigned from his role as North Sails President in early 2026.
  • The new American Racing Challenger Team USA was formed in March 2026, just ahead of the March 31st entry deadline.
  • The team plans to have their AC75 boat sailing by the fall of 2026 after completing the necessary modifications.
  • The first preliminary America's Cup event will take place in May 2026 in Cagliari, Sardinia, though the American team will not be racing.

The players

Ken Read

The former President of North Sails since 2013, who has now resigned to lead the new American Racing Challenger Team USA for the 2027 America's Cup.

Karel Komárek

The co-founder and chairman of the new American Racing Challenger Team USA, who approached Read to lead the American challenge.

Tyson Lamond

The managing director of American Magic Services, a new company that will provide the infrastructure and expertise to support the American Racing Challenger Team USA.

American Magic

The previous American challenge for the America's Cup, whose assets and intellectual property have been acquired by the new American Racing Challenger Team USA.

US Sailing

The national governing body for the sport of sailing in the United States, which is helping the new American team identify and develop young American sailing talent.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a sailboat racing program first right now. This is a, 'How are we going to use this to do a greater good?'”

— Ken Read, CEO, American Racing Challenger Team USA

“We have to show a pathway for young kids. If we're going to create a pathway, then I think it would be somewhat hypocritical to go after the first free agent we find to bring them in.”

— Ken Read, CEO, American Racing Challenger Team USA

What’s next

The American Racing Challenger Team USA plans to have their modified AC75 boat sailing by the fall of 2026, while utilizing their two AC40 boats in the meantime to ramp up their sailing program. The team is also working quickly to assemble a design team and sailing crew, with a focus on developing young American talent.

The takeaway

Ken Read's leadership of the new American challenge for the 2027 America's Cup represents a significant opportunity to reinvigorate sailing in the United States. By assembling a primarily American team and showcasing a pathway for young sailors, the team aims to inspire the next generation and bring the prestigious trophy back to American shores.