Almost a decade ago, Tom Slingsby helped an American team win sailing’s most prestigious trophy, the 34th America’s Cup. In 2024, he hopes to do it again. New York Yacht Club American Magic is pleased to announce that it has signed Slingsby, 2012 Olympic Gold Medalist and Multi-Class World Champion, to its sailing team for its 37th America’s Cup pursuit, which will take place at off Barcelona, Spain in the fall of 2024.
“I’m extremely excited to be back in the America’s Cup arena,” said Slingsby, 37. “The AC75s are remarkable boats, 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 have world-class talent on board the boat and we support on the shore, I am proud and excited to be a part of it.
The New York Yacht Club American Magic was formed in 2018 by directors Hap Fauth, Roger Penske and Doug DeVos with the aim of winning the oldest trophy in international sport. The team participated in the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand.
Slingsby was a latecomer to competitive sailing, his passion for excellence ignited watching the 2000 Olympic regatta in Sydney Harbour. But he quickly became one of the best sailors in the world, winning several world championships and an Olympic gold medal at the 2012 Olympics in London. Over the past decade he has won major championships in everything from 100ft supermaxi to solo foiling Moths, including being named the 2021 Rolex World Sailor of the Year. He sailed with Oracle Team USA in the 2013 and 2017 America’s Cup matches and won SailGP’s first two seasons as a pilot for Team Australia. He will continue his role with the Australia SailGP team.
“People are the most valuable resource for any America’s Cup challenge, and we are thrilled to have Tom on our team,” said Terry Hutchinson, Skipper and President of Sailing Operations for NYYC American Magic. “As a former America’s Cup winner, Tom knows what it takes to climb that mountain. He has shown an incredible ability to outsmart yachts, and his skills and experience will be a huge asset to American Magic in the future.
“Having Tom and Paul Goodison, both Olympic gold medalists and world champions, behind the wheel of our AC75 gives us a great competitive position,” says Hap Fauth. “They are fierce competitors who win at the highest level of sailing. Combine that with the world-class team we’re building, and I’m excited about our prospects.
Slingsby will look to join the team later this summer in Pensacola, Fla. as the NYYC American Magic sets up its training base and begins working towards a win in the 37th America’s Cup.
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