Australia is officially returning to the America’s Cup for the first time in 26 years, marking a significant moment in Australian sailing since the historic Australia II victory in 1983.
The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club has confirmed its challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, led by an all-star Australian team including Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby, two-time Cup winner Glenn Ashby and Australia II veteran Grant Simmer.
For many Australians, the America’s Cup represents more than just a sailing competition. Australia II’s 1983 triumph ended the New York Yacht Club’s 132-year winning streak, a victory that ignited national pride and became part of Australia’s cultural identity.
Sydney, 14 May 2026: The Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club announced that their challenge for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples was accepted by the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron. Representing the club will be Team Australia, supported by John Winning and family, who previously backed Australian entries in the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.
The team has confirmed that Tom Slingsby, an Olympic gold medallist and multiple foiling champion, will serve as Head of Sailing. Glenn Ashby, a three-time Cup winner, will assume the role of Head of Performance and Design. Grant Simmer, a key member of the winning ‘Australia II’ campaign in 1983, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Team Australia.
Simmer emphasised the personal significance of this campaign, recalling his long involvement with the America’s Cup since the early 1980s. He expressed excitement about the opportunity to reunite Australian talent to compete for the nation again, aiming to build a foundation for the next generation of Australian America’s Cup sailors, designers, and engineers.
Slingsby echoed this sentiment, stating that representing Australia in the America’s Cup is a dream come true for him. He expressed pride in being part of this new chapter for Australian sailing alongside longtime friend Herman Winning.
Ashby, who is set to be inducted into the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in October, remarked on his long-held dream for an Australian team to return to this pinnacle event. He highlighted the importance of honouring the legacy of past teams while integrating new talent to advance the team’s prospects.
The Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup will introduce significant changes, including new AC75 rules that mandate at least one female sailor in each race crew for the first time in the competition’s history. The shift to battery-powered systems will also emphasise skill, strategy, and flight control, while reinforcing pathways between the Youth and Women’s America’s Cup programmes and senior teams.
Team Australia Sailor, Tash Bryant, noted that these changes represent a pivotal moment for the sport, enhancing opportunities for women in elite sailing and providing clearer pathways for younger generations.
Team Australia will also join the America’s Cup Partnership (ACP) board. Grant Dalton, ACP Chairman, welcomed the team back to the America’s Cup, acknowledging Australia’s reputation for producing top talent and expressing excitement for the competition ahead.
Marzio Perrelli, CEO of the ACP, also welcomed Team Australia, noting their deep experience and talent assembled for the competition. He emphasised the significance of Australia’s return to the America’s Cup, highlighting the support of the nation for the team.
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