Newport, Rhode Island – A special event celebrating the rich history and tradition of yacht racing while supporting future sailing education is set to unfold from October 4th to 5th, 2025, in Newport, Rhode Island. The Herreshoff Marine Museum and the America's Cup Hall of Fame have jointly announced the inaugural 2025 America's Cup Hall of Fame Challenge, promising an elite competition that honors Newport's significant legacy in America's Cup racing.
Bill Lynn, President and Executive Director of the Herreshoff Marine Museum and America's Cup Hall of Fame, expressed his enthusiasm: "We are thrilled to host this exceptional event that not only commemorates the legacy of America's Cup racing but also provides crucial support for the future of sailing through our STEM education initiatives. This will be a weekend of fierce competition, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the sport."
Historic 12-Metre Yachts to Relive Past Glories
The event will feature four teams, each comprising a crew of ten, a boat captain, and two professional crew members. The races will be contested aboard four historic 12-Metre class yachts: Columbia (US-16), Weatherly (US-17), Nefertiti (US-19), and American Eagle (US-21). These yachts played pivotal roles in the America's Cup defender trials. Columbia notably won the America's Cup in 1958, Weatherly in 1962, and American Eagle, although not an America's Cup winner, was a significant contender in 1964 and 1967. The 12-Metre class, renowned for its elegance and competitive nature, was the chosen class for the America's Cup from 1958 to 1987, staging countless memorable contests that captivated sailing enthusiasts worldwide.
The races will take place in the waters north of the Pell Bridge, offering a thrilling spectacle in Newport, one of the world's most historic sailing venues. Each team will rotate through the yachts for every race, ensuring all participants have the unique opportunity to sail these iconic vessels.
Gary Jobson, an America's Cup Hall of Fame inductee and winner of the 1977 America's Cup, remarked, "These four yachts are an important part of Newport's America's Cup history. I look forward to seeing them compete again on Narragansett Bay." Jobson will also be providing commentary for the event.
Adding to the prestige of the challenge, each participating yacht will have an America's Cup Hall of Fame inductee on board, offering an unparalleled opportunity for participants to sail alongside the sport's greatest legends. The 2025 America's Cup Hall of Fame inductees, who will be honored during the event, include two of the 21st century's most accomplished sailors, James Spithill and Paul Cayard, along with Susan Henn, the first woman to compete in the America's Cup, further amplifying the excitement.
Welcome Reception and Awards Ceremony to Mark the Celebration
The event kicks off with a welcome reception on Friday evening at The Sailing Museum in downtown Newport. The Sailing Museum, situated in the historic building that once housed the America's Cup press headquarters, boasts state-of-the-art exhibits that trace the footsteps of yachting sports and offer interactive experiences to learn about the history and technology of sailing. Following Sunday's racing, participants and guests will gather at the Clarke Cooke House Sky Bar for a reception and awards ceremony. The Clarke Cooke House is an iconic Newport restaurant, celebrated for its innovative cuisine and sophisticated ambiance, with its Sky Bar offering breathtaking harbor views.
Supporting Future Generations Through STEM Education
Each team will contribute a tax-deductible entry fee of $10,000. These fees will directly support the Herreshoff STEM Education Program. The Herreshoff Marine Museum's STEM education initiatives, particularly through its "New Pathways Boat Shop," teach boat-building skills to young people, fostering essential 21st-century competencies such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and teamwork. Furthermore, a portion of the proceeds will be allocated to scholarships for underserved youth in sailing and boat-building, ensuring continued access to marine education and training for the next generation. This effort simultaneously achieves the vital goals of sustainable development in yachting and fulfilling social responsibility.
For more information, team registration, and sponsorship opportunities for the 2025 America's Cup Hall of Fame Challenge, please visit the Herreshoff Marine Museum website at www.herreshoff.org/achofchallenge or contact President Bill Lynn directly at w.lynn@herreshoff.org.
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