America's Cup team Stars+Stripes USA signs McKinsey & Co.

Published Oct. 1, 2019 7:47 p.m. ET

LONG BEACH, Calif. (AP) — McKinsey & Co. has signed on as lead technology partner for America's Cup syndicate Stars Stripes USA.

The deal with the global management firm could be the catalyst for getting the first all-American sailing team in more than 20 years onto the starting line in sailing's marquee regatta.

"We are well down the path of building an innovation and technology consortium and have multiple confirmed partners which we will be sharing with you in the coming days," Stars Stripes CEO and skipper Mike Buckley said in a text to The Associated Press when asked for comment.

It remains to be seen how quickly Stars Stripes launches its boat.

Team New Zealand and the New York Yacht Club have launched new boats, while Britain and Italy plan to launch boats this week.