Phil Robertson's path back into America's Cup competition takes a distinctly international turn. The Auckland-born sailor, who first raced competitively at age 10 and honed his skills on New Zealand waters, has been confirmed as helmsman for Tudor Team Alinghi at the 38th America's Cup preliminary regatta in Cagliari, Sardinia. Racing is scheduled to begin on 21 May.
Robertson brings a formidable match racing record to the role. A World Match Racing Tour champion in 2016 and again in 2019, a two-time M32 World Champion, and a sailor who has represented both New Zealand and China, he has also spent recent seasons behind the wheel in SailGP, first with Canada and then with Red Bull Italy. His connection to Alinghi predates this new appointment: he served as the team's coach throughout the 37th America's Cup campaign before stepping into the cockpit as the Swiss challenger prepares for a fifth tilt at the trophy.
The team's entry into the 38th America's Cup was confirmed at the end of December 2025, and the organisation has moved quickly since then, expanding from a skeleton crew of seven to a squad of around 50. At the core of the Cagliari line-up is British Olympic and multiple world champion Paul Goodison, who carries the combined responsibilities of skipper and helmsman. Robertson joins him alongside Nathalie Brugger (SUI), Nicolas Rolaz (SUI), Pietro Sibello (ITA), and Jason Waterhouse (AUS).
Before the team relocates to Italy in mid-May, preparations have been taking place in Barcelona, where the squad has been working through sailor configurations aboard its AC40s on the same waters that hosted the previous Cup.
Team Director Technical and Sailing Dave Endean is candid about where the team stands. "We've been sailing in this line-up for only a week," he said. "We are rebuilding the team by combining highly experienced sailors with younger talent. We see ourselves as playing catch-up and know there is a lot of hard work ahead, but that is exactly what motivates us."
The 38th America's Cup is scheduled for Naples in the spring-summer of 2027.
