American Magic announced in late October that it would not compete in the 38th edition of the America’s Cup in Naples, Italy. According to a team statement, the decision to end a bid for a third Cup challenge, “follows a comprehensive review of the event’s current Protocol and Partnership Agreement and their alignment with the team’s long-term sporting and strategic objectives.
“After extensive engagement with the Defender, Challenger of Record, and fellow teams, we’ve concluded that the present structure does not provide the framework for American Magic to operate a highly competitive and financially sustainable campaign for the 38th America’s Cup”, said Doug DeVos, Team Principal of American Magic. “We care deeply about the America’s Cup and what it represents. However, for a team committed to long-term excellence, alignment around financial viability and competitive performance is essential. At this time, we don’t believe those conditions are in place for American Magic to challenge.”
Having extracted itself from the Cup while also retaining all its previous campaign assets, currently idle at the team’s base in Pensacola, Florida, the team will likely be looking to liquidate its AC40s, its two AC75s and containers of equipment to any team looking to take advantage of the new 38th Cup protocol which stipulates new teams may use existing platforms.
Unconfirmed rumors of entering a team into the SailGP may hint at what’s to come, and the team is also aligned with Nautor Swan to activate a new ClubSwan 28 US series in Pensacola and Newport, Rhode Island in 2026.
“Our focus now shifts to the future,” said Mike Cazer, CEO of American Magic. “That means athlete and technology development, international competition, and continuing to drive advanced manufacturing and design innovation from our base in Pensacola.”
Founded in 2017, American Magic has represented the New York Yacht Club in two America’s Cup campaigns and supports elite American sailors across senior, youth, and women’s disciplines. The team will continue to invest in the sport through its Pensacola-based high-performance center and international racing campaigns, including programs that support U.S. Olympic sailors. These efforts reinforce Pensacola’s role as a hub for top-tier American sailing talent.
“To our teammates, partners, donors, and supporters — thank you for standing with us,” said Terry Hutchinson, President of Sailing Operations. “We could never have accomplished what we have without you. You are a vital part of who we are.”
