New York Yacht Club fires Commodore and launches new America’s Cup challenge

17/01/21 – Auckland (NZL)
36th America’s Cup presented by Prada
PRADA Cup 2021 – Round Robin 2
New York Yacht Club American Magic

We had not been shy of criticism and a little irony about the New York Yacht Club’s decision to abandon the America’s Cup, but evidently we weren’t the only ones who felt that way. After a resounding turnaround that saw Commodore Christopher J. Culver replaced by his deputy, Paul M. Zabetakis, owner of a Swan 42 and a keen sports sailor, the Club decided to change course.

The New York Yacht Club and American Magic have decided to continue their partnership and launch a new challenge to bring back the America’s Cup, which the Americans have held for 132 years in a row.

FROM THE TOP MANAGEMENT OF AMERICAN MAGIC

“We intend to compete in AC37 and are hungry and highly motivated to be the most innovative team on and off the water,” remarked Hap Fauth, Principal for American Magic. “We are proud of how our team rebounded during AC36, but we have unfinished business and are committed to investing in technology, design, innovation, and talent so we are best positioned to bring the America’s Cup home!”

Therry Hutchinson is expected to lead the team, while Dean Barker, seen struggling on the AC 75s, could be replaced by Paul Godison, who is British but has the passport requirements to remain in the team under the new Cup rules.

“The America’s Cup remains the highest peak in sailing and one of the most difficult challenges in the world of sport,” remarked Paul M. Zabetakis, M.D., Commodore of the New York Yacht Club. “The lessons learned during our previous campaign, combined with American Magic’s physical and intellectual assets and a commitment to multiple cycles, will ensure we come into this challenge with a strong chance to claim sailing’s ultimate prize.”