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 preparations accelerate for the Louis Vuitton 38th America’s Cup in Naples, Italy, in 2027. The announcements underscore the American challenger’s commitment to assembling a world-class team capable of competing at the pinnacle of international sailing.
Haeger arrives with an outstanding resume across Olympic and high-performance sailing. She represented the United States at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, finishing 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. She has further sharpened her skills in professional foiling competition through SailGP, serving 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 ARC Team USA, while further strengthening the representation of accomplished female athletes within the American challenge.
Ben Rosenberg, a Rhode Island native, takes on the dual role of AC75 sailor and Performance Analyst. Rosenberg first learned to sail on the waters of Newport, training and racing out of Sail Newport and Ida Lewis Yacht Club. He honed his skills on the Brenton Cove Racing Program, starting in the Optimist class, practicing between Rose and Goat Islands, and competing in regattas on Narragansett Bay. After aging out of Optis, he moved to the double-handed C420 to sharpen his racing in the competitive youth fleet before going on to sail for and graduate from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in mechanical engineering.
“Congratulations to Ben. It’s great to have some homegrown talent from Rhode Island on the team,” said Brad Read, executive director of Sail Newport. “Ben was a big part of our Brenton Cove Racing Team in the Optimist and 420 race teams. All of us at Sail Newport and the Ida Lewis Yacht Club are thrilled for Ben.”
Ida Lewis Yacht Club Commodore William O’Hanley echoed the sentiment. “To see a sailor who came through the Brenton Cove Racing Program reach the pinnacle of our sport is a tremendous source of pride for our entire sailing community. We wish Ben and ARC Team USA every success as they take on one of the greatest challenges in international sailing.”
Rosenberg’s appointment represents a particularly meaningful homecoming. Having spent years representing Sail Newport, the club now represented by ARC Team USA, his progression from the local sailing community to the highest level 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 value both sailors bring to the campaign. “Annie and Ben bring very different but equally valuable strengths to this team,” said the team. “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. 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 accelerate development, refine performance, and maximize preparation ahead of the team’s 2027 campaign.
With a growing squad and an intensive training program ahead, ARC Team USA 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 team is focused on building a world-class program capable of competing at the highest level of international sailing.
