He was involved with as a sail designer for "Australia" in the 1980 America's Cup before being promoted to sail co-ordinator for "Australia II" in the 1983 America's Cup. "Australia II" won the cup, becoming the first team to defeat the New York Yacht Club. Schnackenberg was again the sail co-ordinator for "Australia III" and "Australia IV's" unsuccessful defence of the America's Cup in 1987 before joining New Zealand Challenge to help design "KZ1" for the 1988 America's Cup. He was a part of the Spirit of Australia challenge at the 1992 Louis Vuitton Cup before joining Team New Zealand as the design co-ordinator and navigator for their victory at the 1995 America's Cup. 1995 was his first on-board role at an America's Cup. During this period, he also coached the New Zealand yachting team for the Olympic Games in 1992 and 1996.