New York Yacht Club American Magic has introduced the women’s team representing the United States at the Puig Women’s America’s Cup, scheduled from 10 – 16 October in Barcelona, Spain.
Among the half-dozen athletes on the squad are four Olympians, two former winners of US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year award, and a recent winner of The Ocean Race. Collectively, they bring to this challenge an unparalleled level of accomplishment and expertise. The six sailors are:
Francesca Clapcich: Park City, UT
Erika Reineke: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Steph Roble: East Troy, WI & Miami, FL
Helena Scutt: Kirkland, WA & San Francisco, CA
Sara Stone: Marion, MA
Anna Weis: Fort Lauderdale, FL
“It’s an honor to be selected for the American Magic Women’s Team and compete for the Puig Women’s America’s Cup,” said Erika Reineke, 2017 US Sailing Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year. “My teammates bring valuable experience from different classes, and we’re excited to learn from each other, work together, and maximize our potential. Training with both the American Magic Cup Team and the Youth Team is a great opportunity. We’re one team, all aiming for the same final result in Barcelona.”
Guided by Terry Hutchinson, Skipper and President of Sailing Operations, and Coach Charlie Ogletree, NYYC American Magic has meticulously crafted a versatile lineup of extraordinary female sailors, many of whom excel in multiple positions.
“After a rigorous selection process, we have assembled a strong sailing team with a blend of talent and experience. The development process, led by New York Yacht Club members Peter McClennen, Suzy Leech & Amy Ironmonger, has yielded impressive results,” said Terry.
The Puig Women’s America’s Cup is a momentous step forward for women in sailing, offering a unique platform to demonstrate their outstanding skills on high-performance boats.
Suzy Leech, co-leader of the New York Yacht Club Women’s and Youth America’s Cup Task Force and a veteran of the 1995 America³ America’s Cup team, expressed her pride and enthusiasm for the exceptional group of women, highlighting the team’s unmatched dedication and passion for sailing. She emphasized, “Our goal is not just to compete but to win the Puig Women’s America’s Cup, illustrating that U.S. women can reach the pinnacle of this sport.”
Committed to rigorous training, perpetual growth, and mastery of the AC40s, the NYYC American Magic Women’s Team is steadfast in its determination to win the Puig Women’s America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024. This journey has been made feasible by the support of American Magic team principals (Hap Fauth and Doug DeVos), the New York Yacht Club, donors, sponsors and volunteers.
“On behalf of the flag officers and members of the New York Yacht Club, we are incredibly proud of the accomplished and motivated female athletes who will represent us in the inaugural Puig Women’s America’s Cup,” said Commodore Paul M. Zabetakis, M.D. “The fact that four of the six were members before the start of the selection process speaks to our Club’s desire to continue to be a leader in the sport.”
