Riptide Racing Aims at America’s Cup 2027

Riptide Racing confirmed it is positioned to meet the Late Entry Deadline of January 31, 2026, pursuing a fundraising target of $50 million and a rapid acquisition of an AC75 package to ensure immediate access to proven platform data, tooling and spares ahead of the 38th America’s Cup.

Campaign logistics and timeline

The campaign’s immediate logistics focus is securing an operational hull, foil sets and control systems from an existing AC75 campaign to compress the build and commissioning schedule. This approach reduces supply-chain exposure tied to bespoke design timelines and allows the team to prioritize crew training, simulator hours and shore-base setup in Oyster Bay, NY.

Key milestones include:

• Finalize asset transfer and regulatory entry before the Late Entry Deadline (Jan 31, 2026)
• Complete primary fundraising tranche to unlock purchase and yard time
• Install race systems and commence sea trials in a controlled bay environment
• Stage match-racing training and measurement checks under Protocol guidance

Key campaign figures

Team composition and competitive edge

The campaign is structured around an experienced match-racing nucleus with Chris Poole (World #1 Match Race skipper) leading both as CEO and skipper. The team aims to combine top-tier helming with systems optimization: flight control algorithms, foil rake trims, and hydraulic reliability.

Riptide Racing’s advantage is historical continuity in match racing tactics. Match racing emphasizes boat-on-boat maneuvers, pre-start strategies, and penalty management—areas where the team has recorded consistent success over the past four years.

Strategic acquisition over greenfield design

Acquiring an existing AC75 package is a deliberate trade-off: it sacrifices incremental gains from a ground-up design for near-term competitiveness and operational certainty. This minimizes risks in three critical areas:

1. Supply chain — avoids long lead times for custom components
2. Testing — leverages proven control software and foil geometry
3. Cost curve — reallocates R&D spend to crew and high-frequency testing

Partnerships, governance and funding

Riptide has formalized its entry via partnership with the historic Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club, leveraging the club’s legacy and governance structure to meet Protocol requirements. The team also cites support from the American Sailboat Racing Foundation (a 501(c)(3)), which has provided backing in prior campaigns.

Corporate and individual sponsorship remains central to the campaign’s capital plan; the fundraising strategy includes staged sponsorship tranches, hospitality packages for marquee events, and targeted philanthropy aligned with the Foundation.

Operational readiness and shore infrastructure

Operational readiness focuses on yard access, marshalling of spares, tender and chase-boat logistics, and certified technicians for foil and rudder alignment. Establishing a shore-base at Oyster Bay provides sheltered testing waters and proximity to East Coast marinas for dry-docking and logistics.

Typical shore-side checklist includes:

• Cold soak and fatigue testing for composite fittings
• Hydraulic and electrical system validation
• Chase-boat coordination and safety response drills
• Measurement and compliance checks per America’s Cup Protocol

Technology and crew training

Investment is planned in simulation suites and high-bandwidth telemetry to accelerate crew learning curves. Live trials will emphasize foil-borne handling, upwind VMG optimization, and match-race-specific starts. The campaign expects to pair experienced shore engineers with younger talent to create continuity for future cycles.

Implications for sailing, yachting and boat rentals

High-profile campaigns like Riptide Racing influence the broader sailing ecosystem. Advances in foil technology, materials handling and crew training often cascade into performance cruising and charter sectors. For rental operators and charter companies, improvements in reliability and safety systems can reduce operating costs for high-speed day charters and enhance passenger confidence on rented yachts and motorboats.

GetBoat always keeps an eye on news related to sailing and seaside vacations, as we truly understand what it means to enjoy great leisure and love the ocean. The service values freedom, energy, and the ability to choose your own course, placing no limits on a good life and allowing clients to find a vessel that suits their preferences, budget, and taste.

What enthusiasts should watch

Observers should monitor these elements as the campaign unfolds:

• Announcements regarding the acquired AC75 package and yard transfer
• Key hires for design, systems and shore operations
• Fundraising milestones tied to asset purchase and sea-trial start dates
• How Protocol clarifications may affect measurement tolerances and race format

Riptide’s plan blends heritage—via the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club—and modern operational strategy. With Chris Poole at the helm and a clear funding target, the campaign aims to balance short-term competitiveness with long-term program development for America’s Cup-level competition.

Highlights of the campaign are its pragmatic logistics model, immediate access to AC75 infrastructure, and strong match-racing pedigree. Still, experiencing a new sailing destination or event is always a multifaceted process where one learns about the culture, nature, the indescribable palette of local colors, its rhythm of life and also the unique aspects of the service; if you are planning your next trip to the sea, you should definitely consider renting a boat (boat rentals, rent a boat, rent a yacht), as each inlet, bay, and lagoon is unique and tells you about the region just as much as the local cuisine, architecture, and language GetBoat.com

Forecast: this announcement is regionally significant for U.S. sailing communities and the America’s Cup field, but it is unlikely to radically reshape the global tourism map on its own. However, it matters to sailors, charter operators and coastal destinations that benefit from heightened visibility and regatta tourism. Start planning your next seaside adventure and make sure to book the best boat and yacht rentals with GetBoat before the opportunity sails away!

In summary, Riptide Racing’s approach—acquiring an AC75 package, assembling experienced match-race leadership under Chris Poole, and targeting a $50 million funding pool—creates a realistic pathway to contest the 38th America’s Cup. For the broader boating community, the trickle-down benefits to charter reliability, marina activity and coastal tourism are clear: improved systems mean safer charters, more predictable maintenance cycles and richer experiences for captains and guests alike. Whether you seek a yacht charter, a day sail on a sailboat, a motorboat for fishing or a superyacht experience in clearwater marinas, platforms like GetBoat.com offer transparent listings, vessel details, ratings and flexible options to match budgets and tastes — Choose your course.