ARC Team USA has strengthened its AC75 sailing squad with the addition of two accomplished American sailors, Olympian Annie Haeger and Newport native Ben Rosenberg, as the challenger accelerates preparations for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, Italy, in 2027. The pair join an already talented roster that includes Lucas Calabrese, Riley Gibbs, Hans Henken, Harry Melges IV, Michael Menninger, and Louisa Nordstrom.
Haeger arrives with a formidable resume spanning Olympic and high-performance sailing. A member of the US Olympic Sailing Team at Rio 2016, she finished seventh in the women’s 470 class alongside Briana Provancha. Named US Sailing’s Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year in 2015 and ICSA Women’s College Sailor of the Year in 2011, Haeger is a six-time national champion who also claimed gold at the 2015 Olympic Test Event in Rio. More recently, she has expanded her credentials in professional foiling competition through SailGP, competing as a strategist for the Canadian team.
“Representing the United States at the highest level of sailing is always an incredible privilege, and I’m really excited to be part of what ARC Team USA is building,” Haeger said. “There’s so much talent and ambition within this team, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the challenge ahead. I also hope that seeing more women competing at this level inspires the next generation to aim just as high.”
Her appointment brings a wealth of international racing experience, technical knowledge, and competitive versatility to the American challenge, while further strengthening the representation of accomplished female athletes within the team.
Joining Haeger is Ben Rosenberg, a Rhode Island native who takes on the dual role of AC75 sailor and Performance Analyst. Born in East Greenwich and raised sailing on the waters of Newport, Rosenberg has a lifelong connection to the America’s Cup. A mechanical engineering graduate of the University of Rhode Island, he previously worked with both the Youth and senior American Magic teams. His experience combines high-performance sailing with specialist expertise in data analytics, using real-time performance insights to accelerate development and help the team maximize every opportunity on the water.
Rosenberg’s appointment also represents a meaningful homecoming. Having spent years representing Sail Newport, the club now behind ARC Team USA’s challenge, his progression from the local sailing community to the pinnacle of the sport reflects the opportunities available to the next generation of American sailors. His achievements include winning the US Youth Championship in the Nacra 15 class, competing with American Magic’s Youth America’s Cup program in Barcelona in 2024, and finishing eighth at the 2025 Moth World Championship.
“After spending so many years representing Sail Newport, joining an America’s Cup team flying the same burgee is pretty special,” Rosenberg said. “The opportunity to combine sailing with performance analysis at this level is exactly what I’ve always wanted to do. It’s an exciting challenge, and I’m proud to be part of a team that’s working so hard to put America back at the forefront of the sport.”
Team leadership praised the dual signings, noting the complementary strengths each sailor brings. “Annie’s experience, competitive instincts and proven ability to perform at the highest level will be a tremendous asset, while Ben combines real talent on the water with the analytical skills that are so important to a modern America’s Cup campaign,” the team said. “It’s also hugely important that young sailors, particularly young women, can see people like Annie competing at the very top of our sport. If we’re serious about growing sailing in America, role models matter.”
The appointments come as ARC Team USA builds on the momentum of its first competitive appearance at the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta in Naples last month. The team made an immediate impression, winning its opening fleet race on debut before finishing fourth overall among nine competing teams.
Ahead of the Naples regatta, ARC Team USA also welcomed Anderson Reggio as Senior Coach. Reggio will work closely with the entire sailing squad throughout the winter, helping to refine performance and maximize preparation ahead of the 2027 campaign.
With a growing squad and an intensive training program ahead, the team is preparing for another major milestone with the imminent unveiling of its AC75. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks, including the introduction of the team’s Youth and Women’s America’s Cup squads.
ARC Team USA is an official challenger for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup, representing Sail Newport. Backed by entrepreneurs Karel Komárek and Chris Welch, and led by CEO Ken Read and Sailing Director Giles Scott, the program is focused on building a world-class campaign capable of competing at the highest level of international sailing.
