American Magic and NYYC reunited after divorce: Americans ready for next Cup assault

The New York Yacht Club (NYYC), founded in 1844, and Team American Magic have reunited. After the early elimination in the challenger round for the 36th America's Cup at the beginning of 2021 and the separation, the famous sailing club and the US sailing racing team initially went their separate ways. All indications were that the record Cup winners from the New York Yacht Club would orientate themselves more towards the new US team Stars & Stripes and American Magic would look for a new club partner. There had been offers from several well-known American clubs. However, the separation of NYYC and American Magic had caused an uproar within the club. Now, a few weeks ago, former Vice Commodore Paul M. Zabetakis became the new Commodore of the New York Yacht Club. He has apparently been able to calm the waves and set a new course. The reunification of NYYC and American Magic has now been officially and proudly announced by both the club and the racing team.

"There's still a score to settle"

The team said: "We intend to compete in the 37th America's Cup and are hungry and highly motivated to be the most innovative team on the water and on land." The press release continued: "We are proud of the way our team got up and came back in the 36th America's Cup. But there is still unfinished business and we are determined to invest in technology, design, innovation and talent to put us in the best possible position to bring home the America's Cup." NYYC members won the trophy at its premiere in 1851 with the schooner "America" in a race around the British Isle of Wight, renamed it "America's Cup" after the name of their winning boat at home and later created the Cup foundation certificate that is still valid today. The Americans managed to defend it 25 times before losing the "bottomless jug" to Australia in 1983. Since then, the NYYC has mounted four more challenges up to and including the 36th edition of the Cup, but has been unsuccessful.

Many Cup fans still have vivid memories of the spectacular capsizing of the American Cup yacht "Patriot" in the 36th America's Cup off Auckland. It was the New Zealand helmsman Dean Barker who threw the objections of his British wing trimmer Paul Goodison to the wind and risked a too daring manoeuvre after rounding a mark, as a result of which "Patriot" capsized - and with it Barker's future as helmsman for the Americans. Click here for the video clip of the "Patriot" capsize (please click!).

It seems only logical that three-time Moth World Champion and Laser Olympic gold medallist Paul Goodison should now take on the role of skipper and helmsman for the Americans. He is one of the best sailors in the world and has gained the necessary expertise for the leadership position after his stint in 2017 for the Swedish America's Cup team Artemis in the 35th America's Cup, guest appearances for Sir Ben Ainslie's British team in the SailGP, a spectacular victory in the SSL final off Nassau in 2017 alongside Frithjof Kleen (see Kleen portrait in YACHT 2/2022) and experience with American Magic in the 36th America's Cup.

It is still unclear whether Terry Hutchinson will remain as CEO. There are also persistent rumours that Tom Slingsby may also join the Americans. The exceptional athlete, who has just been crowned 2021 World Sailor of the Year, is said to hold an American passport - possibly via a green card - in addition to his Australian one. Paul Goodison, on the other hand, is qualified to sail for the Americans as a Brit according to the regulations because he was already a team member in the last edition.

"The America's Cup remains the highest summit in sailing"

Doug DeVos, a wealthy 58-year-old American businessman, passionate regatta sailor, dedicated TP52 owner and helmsman, and Team Principal of American Magic, said: "We are happy to once again represent New York Yacht Club as the longest-standing trustee of the America's Cup and our valued partner in the 36th America's Cup in our quest to return the America's Cup to its original champions." Hap Fauth, American Magic's second team manager alongside Doug DeVos, added: "We intend to compete in the 37th America's Cup. We are hungry and highly motivated to be the most innovative team on the water and on land."

The new Commodore of the NYYC was also keen to comment: "The America's Cup remains the highest peak in sailing and one of the most difficult challenges in the sporting world. The lessons of our previous campaign combined with the physical and intellectual capabilities and commitment to multiple cycles will ensure that we enter the challenge with a strong chance of winning the ultimate prize in sailing."

It is still unclear where the 37th America's Cup will be held in 2024. After two postponements of the announcement, the venue is now to be announced by the end of March this year.