American Magic Confirms Sailing Squad for America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Jeddah
American Magic has confirmed a 5-strong sailing squad set to compete in the upcoming America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Jeddah, taking place from November 30th to December 2nd, 2023.
The squad comprises Olympic Gold Medalists Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison, Olympic Bronze Medalist Lucas Calabrese, U.S. Olympian Riley Gibbs, and Etchell World Champion Michael Menninger.
These Preliminary Regattas serve as warm-up events for the 37th America’s Cup, which will take place in Barcelona in 2024. The first Preliminary Regatta was held in Vilanova i La Geltrú and was won by American Magic in a closely contested and highly competitive regatta.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Red Sea on the Jeddah Corniche, the three-day event will conclude with the final on Saturday, December 2nd.
Terry Hutchinson, NYYC American Magic President of Sailing Operations and Skipper, said:
“We have mirrored the crew list that NYYC American Magic raced with in Vilanova i La Geltrú. Our aim is to continue with the racing development of our team. Each racing opportunity is another chance to learn and improve. We look forward to that opportunity and the chance to measure ourselves against the other competitors.”
Mike Cazer, NYYC American Magic Chief Executive Officer, said:
We have been working closely with the U.S. Government, the Saudi Ministry of Sports, the Saudi Sailing Federation, and the America’s Cup over recent months. We are grateful for their support in hosting this America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta.
Racing in Jeddah will be a historic occasion, and we hope that the team’s participation can contribute to the development, promotion, and inspiration of sailing in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."
Schedule: Second Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup
Race Day One: Thursday, November 30, 2023
13:30-15:30 AST Jeddah // 05:30 - 07:30 ET New York // 11:30-13:30 CET Barcelona
Race Day Two: Friday, December 01, 2023
13:30-15:30 AST Jeddah // 05:30 - 07:30 ET New York // 11:30-13:30 CET Barcelona
Race Day Three, including Final: Saturday, December 02, 2023
13:30-15:30 AST Jeddah // 05:30 - 07:30 ET New York // 11:30-13:30 CET Barcelona