Creating 170 High-Wage Jobs
PENSACOLA, Fla. — World-class yacht racing team American Magic has officially unveiled its new $20.8 million High-Performance Center at the Port of Pensacola, marking a major milestone for the city’s growing maritime economy and creating 170 high-wage jobs in the region.
The new 56,000-square-foot headquarters, located at Warehouse 10, will serve as a permanent base for American Magic’s elite sailing operations and positions Pensacola as an emerging hub for maritime innovation, advanced manufacturing, and ocean science research.
Local, state, and community leaders joined American Magic executives Wednesday to celebrate the opening, which featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a first look inside the state-of-the-art facility.
“This is a huge moment for Pensacola and the Port,” said Escambia County Commissioner Ashlee Hofberger. “Being the western gateway to the state and welcoming such an iconic team speaks volumes about where our community is headed.”
A Comprehensive Maritime Innovation Hub
The High-Performance Center includes space for vessel repairs, heavy equipment, advanced manufacturing, training, watercraft development, and research activities — all with direct access to Pensacola Bay.
“There’s nothing in the maritime sector that this facility cannot do,” said Tyson Lamond, Chief Operations Officer of American Magic.
The facility is designed to support cutting-edge yacht racing technology while fostering collaboration across maritime disciplines, reinforcing Pensacola’s role in the broader blue economy.
High-Wage Job Creation and Economic Impact
American Magic officials confirmed the facility will create 170 high-wage jobs, including positions in sailing operations, engineering, manufacturing, research, and workforce development. According to Mayor D.C. Reeves, the average salary for these roles will exceed $100,000 annually.
“This matters for a Pensacolian because we promised high-paying jobs,” Reeves said. “Today is a huge celebration of those commitments becoming reality.”
State leaders also emphasized Florida’s leadership in maritime and shipbuilding industries.
“Florida is the largest shipbuilding state in the United States,” said Lt. Gov. Jay Collins. “You build more ships here than anywhere else — and we’re just getting started.”
SailGP Partnership Strengthens Global Presence
American Magic also announced a new partnership with SailGP, an international sailing league featuring 13 teams competing worldwide. As part of the agreement, SailGP will establish its home base at the Pensacola facility for the next five years, further elevating the city’s global maritime profile.
Tourism and economic development officials say the partnership will generate additional visitation, international exposure, and long-term economic benefits for the region.
“Pensacola Bay is a world-class venue,” said Darien Schaefer of Visit Pensacola. “This is just the beginning of realizing its full potential.”
Long-Term Commitment to Pensacola
The partnership to bring American Magic to Pensacola has been underway since 2018, and company leaders say the new High-Performance Center cements a permanent presence in the city.
“This is our permanent home,” Lamond said. “This is us.”
While portions of the facility are still receiving final equipment and racing yachts, officials expect full operations to be underway in the coming weeks.
