American Racing Challenger Team USA has unveiled its initial six-sailor roster, bringing together America’s Cup veterans, Olympians, SailGP athletes and world championship winners as the team begins its campaign for the 38th America’s Cup.
The American-flagged challenger, representing Sail Newport, has announced Lucas Calabrese, Riley Gibbs, Hans Henken, Harry Melges IV, Michael Menninger and Louisa Nordstrom as the first members of its sailing squad.
ARC Team USA is led by Karel Komárek, co-founder and chairman, and Chris Welch, co-founder and VC, alongside Ken Read, CEO, and Giles Scott, Sailing Director.
“This group represents exactly what we’re trying to build,” said Read. “They bring world-class experience, proven performance at the highest levels of our sport and the potential to help shape the future of American sailing.”
He added that the sailors combine exceptional ability with the versatility, work ethic and mindset required to build a long-term America’s Cup programme.
First test in Naples
ARC Team USA’s first official America’s Cup appearance will come at the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta, taking place in Naples, Italy, from 24–27 September 2026.
The preliminary event will be contested in AC40 foiling monohulls, providing the newly formed American team with its first opportunity to compete against the wider America’s Cup fleet.
Following Naples, ARC Team USA will turn its attention to the Louis Vuitton Cup, scheduled to begin in spring 2027. The challenger selection series will determine which team earns the right to face Emirates Team New Zealand in the 38th America’s Cup.
The America’s Cup itself is scheduled to begin on 10 July 2027, marking the culmination of ARC Team USA’s campaign.
With a leadership team featuring established America’s Cup experience and an initial sailing roster combining youth and elite international credentials, ARC Team USA is now moving from formation into competition mode.
The American challenge is officially taking shape.
