The 38th edition of the America’s Cup is set to have a Spanish flavor, as Olympic champions Diego Botín and Florian Trittel have officially joined the new La Roche-Posay Racing Team, the project spearheaded by the French team K-Challenge for the competition in Naples in 2027. The duo’s addition marks a significant moment for Spanish sailing and a return to the prestigious event after a decade-long absence.
The announcement, made in Lorient, France – a major hub for international sailing – revealed an ambitious and restructured team. Botín and Trittel’s inclusion represents the first time Spanish sailors have been part of an America’s Cup team in over ten years, since Xabi Fernández competed with Luna Rossa in 2013. This move underscores the growing talent within Spanish sailing and its increasing presence on the global stage.
For Botín and Trittel, transitioning to the America’s Cup represents a pivotal step in their already impressive careers. “It’s a massive step for us to add the America’s Cup to our other competitions,” Botín explained, adding that he will continue to balance this challenge with his Olympic campaign and participation in the SailGP circuit. Trittel echoed this sentiment, acknowledging the demanding nature of the project but highlighting the strong synergy with SailGP, which they believe is crucial for success.
The French team enters a new phase with the backing of La Roche-Posay as its main sponsor, and a reinforced sporting structure. Philippe Presti, a two-time America’s Cup winner, will serve as the sports director, even as Quentin Delapierre will lead the team on the water as the helmsman. This leadership pairing brings a wealth of experience and expertise to K-Challenge’s campaign.
Alongside Botín and Trittel, the team boasts a blend of international experience and emerging talent, including Jason Saunders, Leigh McMillan, and young prospect Enzo Balanger. Supporting them is a technical team of over 60 specialists, led by Antoine Carraz. This comprehensive team structure aims to provide K-Challenge with a competitive edge in the upcoming America’s Cup.
The first competitive test for the team will be in Cagliari in May, with preliminary races in the AC40 class. This will serve as a crucial preparation period before the main event: the America’s Cup in Naples in 2027. In the lead-up to the competition, the team will spend several weeks training in Lorient, both on the water and in the simulator, refining their skills and strategies.
Botín and Trittel’s journey to this point has been marked by success. The pair secured a gold medal at the 2024 Olympic Games in the 49er class, a testament to their skill and dedication. Their participation in the America’s Cup allows them to expand their horizons and compete at the highest level of sailing. Notably, they will continue to compete in SailGP alongside their America’s Cup commitments, demonstrating their versatility and commitment to multiple disciplines within the sport.
The inclusion of the Spanish duo also presents an interesting logistical element. According to reporting from ABC, Trittel is listed as a non-national within the French team, while Botín has utilized his mother’s French nationality to meet the eligibility requirements outlined in the competition’s regulations. This demonstrates the complex rules governing team composition in the America’s Cup.
The America’s Cup is a challenging and demanding competition, known for its cutting-edge technology and intense competition. The event attracts the best sailors from around the world, and the 2027 edition in Naples is expected to be no exception. K-Challenge, with its newly assembled team and the backing of La Roche-Posay, aims to be a strong contender in the race for the coveted trophy.
The team’s participation in the preliminary races in Cagliari will provide a valuable opportunity to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. The AC40 class is a key component of the America’s Cup World Series, serving as a testing ground for the larger and more powerful AC75 class that will be used in the final competition.
Looking ahead, the team’s focus will be on maximizing their training time and refining their teamwork. The America’s Cup requires seamless coordination and communication between all team members, and K-Challenge will be working diligently to ensure that they are fully prepared for the challenges that lie ahead. The next confirmed checkpoint for K-Challenge is the AC40 preliminary races in Cagliari in May, where they will begin their campaign in earnest.
What are your thoughts on Botín and Trittel joining the French team? Share your predictions for the 2027 America’s Cup in the comments below!
