The deal, which will see Harken become an official equipment supplier to the team, is the second partnership agreement announced by the US syndicate as part of its collaboration with the Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club to try to mount an American challenge for the 38th edition of the America’s Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Naples, Italy in 2027.
Harken joins leading global marine industry shipping and logistics company Pindar by Manuport Logistics on the roster of official Riptide Racing suppliers.
Several other announcements are in the pipeline as part of the syndicate’s fundraising drive to raise an overall campaign budget of up to $50 million, of which the team is targeting $30 million to meet the 38th America’s Cup January 31, 2026 late entry deadline.
“Challenging for the America’s Cup is about ensuring excellence in every aspect of the campaign,” said Poole. “We couldn't ask for a better hardware partner than Harken, whose reputation and pedigree in the professional yacht racing world – and the America’s Cup, in particular – is second to none. I am delighted to welcome them to our campaign and we very much appreciate their support.”
Bill Goggins, CEO at Harken, Inc., said the US-based marine industry leader could not be happier to back Poole’s bid to ensure the United States was represented at AC38.
"Harken has built its reputation in the grand prix racing world through decades of grit, innovation and hard work. Teams rely on Harken’s ingenuity and drive at the highest levels of competition, including the America’s Cup. Riptide Racing will be a fresh opportunity for the United States as Challengers for the 38th America's Cup in Naples, and we are proud to be a partner. The America’s Cup is, by definition, ‘At the Front’ of our sport – and that is where Harken must be. We're fully committed to support Riptide Racing in every way possible."
The America’s Cup is yacht racing’s oldest and most prestigious competition and dates back to 1851. Never in the event’s 174-year history has the United States not been represented – a fact that Poole says is a key motivation behind the Riptide Racing campaign.
“I consider myself a patriot,” he said. “Over the last several years, as skipper of Riptide Racing I have been proud to represent my country on the World Match Racing Tour, where we are currently the top ranked team in the world.
“With the right support from companies like Harken and Pindar by Manuport Logistics I am confident we can ensure the US is represented at the 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027 and at the preliminary regattas during 2026.”
