OYSTER BAY, NY, USA (March 23, 2023)– Oakcliff Sailing will campaign the historic 12 Metre Courageous (US-26) for the 2023 World Championship in Newport, RI, Oakcliff executive director Dawn Riley announced today. The boat will be raced by a young and diverse team of sailors selected from Oakcliff’s Acorn and Sapling training programs.

“Courageous (US-26) has meant so much to the American sailing community and to Newport in particular,” said Kimbra Walter, who with her husband Mark owns Courageous and will provide support for the forthcoming campaign. “We feel a responsibility to use Courageous’ next chapter to help the world of sailing gain a wider and more diverse following. We want to offer more young women and people from every background the opportunity to experience the joy of sailing—and to be able to turn it into a profession. We’re grateful to be working toward this alongside Dawn Riley, a legend in the sport and a model for our efforts.”

Courageous (US-26) won the America’s Cup in 1974 with Ted Hood and Dennis Connor on board and again in 1977 skippered by Ted Turner with Gary Jobson as tactician, becoming the second and last boat to successfully defend the Cup. Jobson has agreed to share his experience and insight with the Oakcliff team this summer. Courageous also holds a prominent place in The Sailing Museum and the America’s Cup Hall of Fame in Newport.