Tom Slingsby signs with American Magic for 37th America’s Cup
Tom Slingsby has signed with New York Yacht Club American Magic for the 37th America’s Cup in 2024.
Slingsby, a 2012 Olympic gold medalist and multi-class world champion, previously helped an American team win the Auld Mug in 2013.
“I’m extremely excited to return to the America’s Cup arena,” says Slingsby, 37. “The AC75s are remarkable craft, and I look forward to doing whatever I can to help our team in their quest to bring the trophy back to the United States and the New York Yacht Club. We’ve got world-class talent on board the boat and backing us on the shore, I’m proud and excited to be a part of it.”
New York Yacht Club American Magic was formed in 2018 by principals Hap Fauth, Roger Penske, and Doug DeVos. The team competed in the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
In April, Marine Industry News reported that American Magic had made two additions to the team’s leadership: Luis Saenz Mariscal and Jon Persch.
The Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby, during the Australia Sail Grand Prix in December 2021. Photo courtesy of Phil Hillyard for SailGP
Tom Slingsby was a latecomer to competitive sailing, after being inspired while watching the 2000 Olympic Regatta on Sydney Harbour. But he went on to win multiple world championships and an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. In the last decade, he’s won major championships in everything from 100-foot supermaxis to singlehanded foiling Moths. He was named 2021 Rolex World Sailor of the Year. He sailed with Oracle Team USA in the 2013 and 2017 America’s Cup matches and won the first two seasons of SailGP as the driver of the Australian Team. Slingsby will continue with his role on the Australia SailGP Team.
“People are the most valuable resource for any America’s Cup challenge, and we’re excited to have Tom on our team,” says Terry Hutchinson, skipper and president of sailing operations for NYYC American Magic. “As a previous winner of the America’s Cup, Tom knows what it takes to climb that mountain. He has shown incredible ability in foiling yachts, and his skill and experience will be a tremendous asset for American Magic going forward.”
“Having Tom and Paul Goodison, both Olympic Gold Medalists and world champions, driving our AC75 gives us a great competitive position,” says Hap Fauth. “They are fierce competitors who win at the highest level of sailing. Combine this with the world-class team we are building, and I am thrilled with our prospects.”
Slingsby will look to join the team later this summer in Pensacola, Florida, where American Magic has set up its training base in the build-up to AC37, which will take place in Barcelona, Spain in September and October 2024.
