#SailGPTeams: United States

United States SailGP Team

Undergoing a revitalization in Season 5, the U.S. SailGP Team—helmed by Taylor Canfield—is channeling deep investment, and hope for a performance rebound. A notable capsize in Los Angeles—while they were towing in—didn’t derail the campaign; instead, it triggered a strategic reset and a sponsorship surge that signals ambition.

The Team

• Driver: Taylor Canfield, a two-time match-racing world champion brought on ahead of Season 5 to lead a recalibrated crew and helm rebuild. 

  
  

• Crew Highlights:

  • Anna Weis – grinder

  • Hans Henken – flight-controller/grinder

  • Jeremy Wilmot – wing-trimmer

  • Max Agnese – flight-controller/grinder

  • Peter Kinney – grinder

  • CEO & Strategist: Mike Buckley – former YC tactician turned team lead 

Owners & Management

• Co‑owners: Ryan & Margaret McKillen alongside Avenue Sports and Mike Buckley, collectively steering a high-investment rebuild. 

• CEO: Mike Buckley, deeply integrated in race-day strategy and broader operations. 

Partners

• Apex Group: Official partner since mid-2024, injecting global financial backing. 

• AG1: Nutritional collaboration announced for Season 5, supporting elite athlete performance.

• Amazon: Newest retail sponsor, signed June 2025 to boost visibility and merchandise integration. 

• Tommy Hilfiger: Lifestyle apparel partner known for merging style with performance since 2024. 

Key Facts

“Capsize sparks rebuild, not retreat”

During L.A. practice, the U.S. F50 capsized under tow—prompting a technical review and restructuring that drove the team’s new momentum. 

“Season reset under Canfield”

Canfield’s appointment brought renewed coaching, crew alignment, and diversity focus following Jimmy Spithill’s departure. 

“Commercial momentum fuels growth”

New deals with Amazon and AG1 complement existing partnerships (~Apex, Tommy Hilfiger), elevating the team’s off-water profile and financial stability.

The Lowdown

• Performance: After missing Sydney due to the capsize, the team returned by L.A. practice. They’ve yet to break into the top-3 consistently, but patience and investment are prioritized.

• Identity: Embracing a blend of elite performance, diversity, and stylish branding—across lifestyle, nutrition, and high-tech sailing.

• Growth Direction: With full-season crew stability, commercial strength, and strategic resets, the U.S. team aims for steady improvements into the summer legs (SF, NYC) and beyond.

Bottom Line: The U.S. SailGP Team is undergoing an investment-driven evolution under Taylor Canfield, combining elite crew alignment, major sponsor commitment, and resilience. Though still chasing consistent podiums, their 2025 reset makes them a credible future threat in the fleet.