Racing DNA, working boats: How America's Cup technology is going commercial.
America's Cup programmes have built the deepest foiling know-how on the planet, and in North America that know-how is leaving the race course. Leading US and Canadian builders are putting foils under working boats: electric commuters, water taxis, patrol and naval support craft. The panel explores what racing R&D is worth in a commercial business case, where the capital is flowing, including growing government and defense interest, and what it takes to industrialise a technology born to win regattas.
Speakers
Naval architect specializing in high-performance sailing yachts, hydrofoils, and advanced marine vehicles, with experience spanning Olympic classes and the America's Cup. A two-time Formula 18 World Champion, I combine high-level competitive sailing with simulation-driven desig, integrating hydrodynamics, structures, and control systems to push the boundaries of efficiency and speed. My work spans the full development cycle, from concept and performance modeling through detailed engineering, manufacturing, and sailing-system development, with hands-on testing linking design directly to real-world performance.
Over 12 years at Morrelli & Melvin Design & Engineering, I served as Lead Designer on projects including the Nacra range, SuperFoiler, TF10, the Rapido range, and the 72ft Persico catamaran Extreme H2O. I was also a Lead Foil Designer with American Magic challenger for the America's Cup, and earlier played a key role in developing the Olympic Nacra 17. I hold an MSc in Maritime Engineering from the University of Southampton.
Through Van West Naval Architecture, I am currently involved in several design projects, such as the 38th America's Cup team and the Maris Vessels foiling ferry, providing consulting and design services for high-performance and next-generation marine vehicles.
Luca Rizzotti is founder and president of The Foiling Organization and of Foiling Week, advancing innovation and sustainability in foiling and maritime activities. He founded the World Foiling Congress, bringing together professionals worldwide to shape insurance, certification, regulation and safety standards for the foiling industry. He also serves as AC40 Class Manager and Vice-President of the International Moth Class Association.
Tyson Lamond serves as Chief Operating Officer of American Magic and Chief Executive Officer of American Magic Services, where he leads a world-class high-performance organization at the forefront of elite sport and advanced innovation and technology.
His mandate is clear: build, manage, and continuously evolve a team capable of competing — and winning — at the highest levels, while translating that performance culture into sustainable commercial growth. Tyson drives operational excellence, strategic clarity, and disciplined execution, ensuring the organization not only performs today but is positioned to outperform tomorrow.
Equally important to him is legacy. Tyson is deeply committed to developing the next generation of American leaders, engineers, composite manufacturers, and innovators. He believes that true leadership is measured not only by results, but by the strength, character, and capability of the people you build around you.
Through resilience, accountability, and relentless forward momentum, Tyson continues to push his organization — and the people within it — to set a higher standard every day.