American Magic Team USA takes the win in the Louis Vuitton prelim regatta!

NYYC’s American Magic – who had suffered a serious nosedive in practice racing the day before – was up against INEOS Britannia who looked fired up for the day and the racing to come.

After a blistering start from Ainslie and a brilliant first cross by the British out to the right-side of the course, the Americans came straight back after finding more pressure and nice big wind shift to lead at the windward mark.

Although the first downwind leg saw two close crosses, the US team maintained their lead at the leeward gate and were never headed again, going on to record a win by a margin of 29 seconds.

Tom Slingsby, helmsman on NYYC American Magic, was happy with how the opening race against INEOS Britannia unfolded saying:

“It was a tight race all the way. There didn’t seem to be much in it in terms of boat speed. Once we were ahead, we were able to protect the right and it felt like we were making little gains all the time.”

“We have won our first race and although there is a long way to go, it’s good to get off the mark as you don’t want to be waiting a couple of days to get your first win. So, we’re off and running and we’ve got some big matches coming in the next few days.”

A great day for Team USA in Barcelona.

Day 1 results

Emirates New Zealand – 1 Alinghi Red Bull Racing – 1 NYYC American Magic – 1 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – 1 Inneos Brittania – 0 Orient Express Racing Team – 0