Applications open for the British American Cup Team (BA Cup)
by Robin Tott 12 May 09:45 PDT
23-25 October 2025
BA Cup 2023 © Simon Winkley / BA Cup 2023
The British team will be selected from applications received by 1st June. The battle to decide the 6th Series of this prestigious keelboat team racing competition will be 23rd - 25th Oct 2025. If you're interested in being considered for selection, please complete the form through the link below.
In 1921, a group of British and American yachtsmen came together with a shared desire to promote international racing — and thus, the BA Cup was born. The inaugural race took place during Cowes Week in 6-meter class yachts.
The BA Cup is a team race event like no other. With only two teams competing, the format is 4v4 in keelboats with spinnakers. Races last for 45 minutes, offering non-stop action that showcases the very best of keelboat team racing. Over the past 104 years, a remarkable list of sailors from both sides of the Atlantic have participated, including Olympians, America's Cup Sailors, World Champions, College All-Americans, and many more.
In 2023, what was expected to be the final match of the 6th Series saw the US team leading 2-1. However, the British team triumphed on home waters, tying the series. The tiebreaker, determined by total race wins, also resulted in a tie. So, in a fitting tribute to the 250th anniversary of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, we now have an additional, deciding match for the 6th Series — winner takes all!
The 2025 edition of the BA Cup will take place at Queen Mary Reservoir from 23rd to 25th of October in Sonars. The teams will consist of 16 sailors, with a minimum of 4 women on each team. The selection protocol is posted here.
Sailors wishing to apply to be on the team should complete this form no later than midnight on Sunday 1st June.
If you don't want to apply for the team but would be interested in joining training please contact racing@royalthames.com