Australia Launches First America’s Cup Challenge in 25 Years

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The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club in Sydney has officially launched Australia’s first America’s Cup challenge in 25 years, submitting a formal Notice of Challenge for the 38th edition of the prestigious regatta set for Naples, Italy, in 2027. The announcement marks a historic return for Australian sailing, reviving the nation’s legacy in the competition after a quarter-century absence.

The challenge is spearheaded by local businessman and seasoned sailor John Winning Jr., CEO of the Winning Group and a former skipper of the supermaxi Andoo Comanche, which secured line honours in the 2022 Rolex Sydney Hobart Race. Winning Jr. Will lead the team alongside his father, John “Woody” Winning, a prominent figure in Australian sailing and business circles. The team will compete under the banner of Team Australia, a name carrying deep historical significance following Australia II’s 1983 victory—an event that ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year dominance of the America’s Cup.

Key Figures and Leadership

The team’s leadership roster includes two of Australia’s most decorated sailors. Tom Slingsby, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and two-time World Sailor of the Year, has been named Head of Sailing. Slingsby’s experience spans multiple Olympic campaigns, including gold medals in the Star class (2012) and 49erFX (2016), as well as a strong showing in the 2024 America’s Cup as a member of the American Magic team.

Glenn Ashby, a three-time America’s Cup winner and former Oracle Team USA helmsman, will serve as Head of Performance and Design. Ashby’s technical expertise and competitive pedigree—including victories in the 2010, 2013, and 2017 America’s Cup—position him as a critical asset in preparing the team for the 2027 event.

A Legacy Reborn

Australia’s last America’s Cup challenge was in 1983, when Australia II, skippered by John Bertrand, defeated the defending champion Liberty in a dramatic final race. The victory remains one of the most celebrated moments in Australian sporting history. Commodore Sven Runow of the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club framed the current challenge as a continuation of that legacy, stating in a letter to members that the bid reflects “the strength of our Club” and aims to place Australia “back at the forefront of the international stage.”

The 38th America’s Cup will feature the latest generation of high-performance foiling catamarans, a shift from the traditional monohulls that dominated earlier editions. The event’s organizers have confirmed Naples as the host venue, with preparations for the regatta expected to begin in earnest over the next two years.

What Comes Next

While details on the team’s design, budget, and training program remain under wraps, the Notice of Challenge triggers a 12-month countdown before the Defender Selection Series, where the defending champion—currently the New Zealand Yacht Squadron—will be determined. Australia’s entry joins a growing field of international competitors, including teams from the United States, Italy, and Spain, all vying for a place in the 2027 final.

The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club’s announcement was met with immediate excitement within the sailing community. Australian media outlets, including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Channel NewsAsia, confirmed the challenge in reports citing the club’s official statement. The team’s launch follows months of speculation and aligns with broader efforts to revive Australia’s profile in elite sailing.

For now, the focus remains on securing the necessary resources and partnerships to compete at the highest level. With Slingsby and Ashby at the helm, Team Australia enters the next phase of its campaign with a blend of Olympic pedigree and America’s Cup experience—a combination that could prove decisive in Naples.