New York Yacht Club has secured SailGP’s most coveted helmsman for the 37th Copa America

Tom Slingsby has previously won the Copa America for Oracle Team USA, but is now the leading helmsman of SailGP, the regatta series that comes closest to the Copa America in terms of speed and technology. There’s no doubt therefore that the American project, led by Terry Hutchinson, has made a warp when they have secured Slingsby as part of the helms team.

Slingsby has Olympic gold in Laser from 2012 and is a world champion in several classes, including Moth, where many America’s Cup sailors are recruited. In the SailGP series, which uses the 50-foot single-type catamaran used in preparation for the 35th Copa America race in Bermuda, Slingsby has taken the lead, making him the most sought-after teammate on the Copa America team.

Sailor of the Year

– I’m really excited to be back in the Americas Cup arena, said Slingsby, – The ship AC75 is a very exciting ship, and I look forward to doing all I can to help our team in their efforts to bring the trophy back to the United States and the New Yacht Club York. We have world-class talent on board and ashore, and I am proud and excited to be a part of it. In 2021, Slingsby was named the Rolex World Sailor of the Year by the International Sailing Federation.

The New York Yacht Club American Magic was formed in 2018 by billionaires Hap Fauth, Roger Penske and Doug DeVos with the aim of winning the oldest trophy in international sport. The team competes in the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.

Competitive advantage

“People are the most valuable resource for the America’s Cup challenge, and we are thrilled to have Tom on our team,” said Terry Hutchinson, captain and president of the NYYC American Magic. -As a former America’s Cup winner, Tom knows what it takes to climb that mountain. He has demonstrated an uncanny ability to get boats in the foil, and his skills and experience will be a great resource for American Magic going forward. Having Tom and Paul Goodison, Olympic gold medalists and world champions, lead our AC75, gives us a competitive edge, says Hap Fauth. – Both are tough competitors who win at the highest level. Combined with other world class teams, this gives us a unique position.

Far ahead

Slingsby will join the team later this summer in Pensacola, Fla., when the NYYC American Magic establishes its training base and begins work towards the 37th America’s Cup.

The American Magic will have to beat teams from Great Britain, Italy and Switzerland to challenge the reigning champions New Zealand. It will take place in Barcelona in October 2024.