SoftBank Team Japan, supported by SoftBank Corp. and Kansai Yacht Club, is the Japanese Challenger for the 35th America’s Cup to be held in Bermuda in 2017. As the first Japanese flagged challenger since 2000, SoftBank Team Japan seeks to make history by becoming the first Japanese team to win the America’s Cup.
Led by winning America’s Cup skipper Dean Barker along with veteran Japanese sailor Kazuhiko “Fuku” Sofuku, SoftBank Team Japan is made up of a multi-national collaboration of sailors, boatbuilders, and support crew from the professional sailing industry who share the passion for innovation and excellence.
On the announcement of SoftBank Team Japan, Masayoshi Son, CEO of SoftBank, said, “I am thrilled to announce that we will be supporting Team Japan at the America’s Cup.
“Taking on this major challenge at the pinnacle of yacht races matches with the SoftBank Group’s aim to be the global No. 1.”
“This is an incredible opportunity to build a new team from the ground up,” said Team CEO and skipper Dean Barker. “It’s an honour to take on the responsibility of both CEO and skipper of SoftBank Team Japan.”
The team will be competing in all Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series events in 2016 and 2017 and all the while, training at their team base located on the Great Sound in Bermuda.
