2025 America's Cup Hall of Fame Challenge Set for Newport, Rhode Island October 4-5
by Herreshoff Marine Museum 24 May 15:57 UTC
October 4-5, 2025
Four Iconic 12-Metres To Race for STEM Education Fund NEWPORT, RI
The Herreshoff Museum and the America's Cup Hall of Fame are proud to announce the 2025 America's Cup Hall of Fame Challenge, set to take place October 4-5, 2025, in Newport, Rhode Island. This prestigious sailing event will bring together elite teams to compete aboard four historic 12Metre yachts, honoring the rich legacy of America's Cup racing in Newport.
"We are thrilled to host this extraordinary event, which not only celebrates the legacy of America's Cup racing but also provides critical support to the future of sailing through our STEM education initiatives," said Bill Lynn, President & Executive Director of the Herreshoff Marine Museum and the America's Cup Hall of Fame. "This will be a weekend of fierce competition, camaraderie, and a shared passion for the sport."
The event will feature four teams, each composed of 10-person crews assisted by a supplied boat captain and two professional crew, who will race in classic 12-Metre yachts—Columbia (US-16), Weatherly (US-17), Nefertiti (US-19), and American Eagle (US-21)—all of which played historic roles in Defender selection trials with two securing America's Cup victories in 1958, 1962, and 1967. The races will take place north of Pell Bridge, offering thrilling competition in one of the most storied sailing venues in the world. Crews will switch boats each race offering each team a chance to sail each of these iconic yachts.
"These four boats are an important part of the history of the America's Cup in Newport," said America's Cup Hall of Famer Gary Jobson, winner of the 1977 America's Cup and Master of Ceremonies for the event. "I'm looking forward to watching them battle it out once again on Narragansett Bay."
Adding to the event's prestige, each competing boat will include a Hall of Fame inductee, offering participants an unparalleled opportunity to sail alongside some of the greatest legends of the sport.
There will be an opening reception on Friday evening at The Sailing Museum in downtown Newport, and at the conclusion of racing on Sunday, competitors and guests will gather for a reception and award ceremony at the 12-Metre Yacht Club in the Clarke Cooke House Sky Bar.
Each team will contribute a $10,000 entry fee, a part of which is tax-deductible, directly supporting the Herreshoff STEM Education Program. A portion of the proceeds will provide scholarships for youth sailors and boatbuilders from underserved communities, ensuring the next generation has continued access to maritime education and training.
For more information on the 2025 America's Cup Hall of Fame Challenge, including entry details and sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.herreshoff.org/achofchallenge or contact Bill Lynn via email at .