Newport's got its eye on the prize!
The New York Yacht Club and Bella Mente Quantum Racing Association announced today they will compete under the name "New York Yacht Club American Magic," ("American Magic") in their challenge for the 36th America's Cup to be held in New Zealand in 2021.
Formed in October 2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the New York Yacht Club, American Magic brings together two highly successful racing programs with one of the foremost yacht clubs in the nation, all with the shared vision of launching a campaign for the 36th America's Cup competition, reconnecting the American sailing base with sailing's premier event and elevating the quality of competitive sailing in the United States.
American Magic's design team is actively at work planning for the first of two AC 75 class boats, and preparing for the publication of the AC75 Class Rule at the end of March. At the same time, the American Magic's sailing team is currently training in Long Beach, California, for the Ficker Cup, which is the qualifier for the Congressional Cup. The team expects to establish its primary base in Newport, later this spring.
Apropos for Newport, RI, a sailing town steeped in maritime history, the boat's name comes from America's Cups past. From NYYC Commodore Philip Lotz:
"'America' was the first boat to win the America's Cup in 1851. 'Magic' was the first boat to defend the Cup in 1870. American Magic builds on the legacy of those two yachts, and the name embodies the mission of our campaign, which is to win the Cup and in the process build the foundation for a stronger competitive sailinga culture in the United States. The New York Yacht Club is very excited to be part of this campaign and the legacy we are striving to create."
Over the coming months, American Magic will assemble a team of sailors, designers, and engineers who will position it to bring the America's Cup home to the United States and the New York Yacht Club. Hap Fauth, CEO of American Magic, said, "We're not just racing to bring the Cup back to America, we're racing to bring American yachting back to the Cup."
Doug DeVos, Principal of American Magic, said, "As an avid sailor and passionate supporter of the NYYC, I'm thrilled to be a part of such an extraordinary team. Over the years, we have worked hard to promote sailing in the United States and inspire the next generation of sailors to compete at the highest levels of our sport. It's an honor and privilege to be a part of American Magic's challenge to bring the America's Cup back home."
About the New York Yacht Club
The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 when nine New York yachtsmen met aboard John Cox Stevens' yacht and a year later its original clubhouse was built in Hoboken, N.J. The Club's Annual Regatta was first run in 1845. The Club was the keeper of the America's Cup from 1851 to 1983, and it organized the first transatlantic race in 1866. The Club maintains two exquisite clubhouses, on 44th Street in the heart of New York City, known for its Model Room and extensive nautical library, and Harbour Court in Newport, Rhode Island, which annually hosts some of North America's most prestigious sailing events, including the Annual Regatta, Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex, the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and the Queen's Cup.
Photo credit: New York Yacht Club American Magic
