It’s encouraging to see Australian businesses getting behind Team Australia’s return to the America’s Cup. After more than two decades without an Australian challenge, building a successful campaign will take more than talented sailors and designers. It also requires strong support from the marine industry, and Mercury Marine Australia is the latest company to come on board.
Team Australia has announced Mercury Marine Australia as an Official Supplier for its 2027 America’s Cup campaign, with the company’s outboard engines and propulsion systems set to support the team’s chase boat fleet and on-water operations in Naples, Italy.
The partnership will see Mercury’s V10 Verado 425hp outboard engines powering the campaign’s chase boats, providing the performance and reliability needed to support the sailing team throughout its training and racing programme.
Powering the chase boats
Chase boats play a vital role in modern America’s Cup campaigns, providing essential support to sailors, coaches and technical personnel during training and racing.
Operating alongside high-performance foiling yachts, these vessels need to deliver reliable power, rapid acceleration and responsive handling, often over long days on the water.
As part of the partnership, Team Australia’s Chase 1 and Chase 2 vessels will be renamed M1 and M2, with Mercury branding prominently displayed on the pontoons of both boats.
Andrew ‘Hendo’ Henderson, Chief Operating Officer at Team Australia, said dependable on-water support was fundamental to the campaign’s operations.
“Reliable on-water support is fundamental to the way an America’s Cup campaign operates. Our chase boats and support vessels are working in demanding conditions and need propulsion systems that we can rely on every day.
“Mercury Marine brings a strong combination of performance, reliability and marine expertise, and we’re pleased to have them supporting Team Australia as we prepare for our campaign in Naples.”
Mercury’s V10 Verado engines selected
The chase boat fleet will be powered by Mercury’s V10 Verado 425hp outboard engines, selected for their combination of performance, torque and operational reliability.
Anthony Brown, Senior Marketing Manager at Mercury Marine, said the company was pleased to be supporting the Australian challenge.
“We are thrilled to back Team Australia’s chase boats for this campaign. The V10 Verado 425s combine lightweight design with large displacement to deliver exceptional torque, smooth acceleration, and outstanding reliability.
“Having such a refined, low-noise power plant gives the team the exact efficiency and dependability required for high-demand, day-in-day-out operations.”
The partnership provides Team Australia with an established marine propulsion supplier as it prepares for the demands of an international America’s Cup campaign.
Australia’s return to the America’s Cup
Team Australia was officially confirmed as the sixth Challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in May 2026, marking Australia’s return to the competition for the first time since 2000.
Representing the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club and backed by the Winning Family, the campaign has assembled an experienced leadership group.
Tom Slingsby heads the sailing programme as Head of Sailing, with Glenn Ashby overseeing performance and design as Head of Performance & Design. Grant Simmer serves as Chief Executive Officer.
The 2027 America’s Cup will be staged in Naples, Italy, where Team Australia will seek to make its mark against some of the world’s leading sailing teams.
With the campaign gathering momentum, partnerships such as the agreement with Mercury Marine Australia highlight the role Australian marine businesses can play in supporting the country’s return to the world’s oldest international sporting trophy.
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