The PRADA Cup Race to Save American Magic’s PATRIOT!

This Challenger Selection Series has certainly been a challenge for New York Yacht Club’s American Magic. First of all, they lost their first race Friday and on Saturday did not perform well in tricky light winds, losing both races on Saturday. And then on a windier, very windy, Sunday, PATRIOT had a solid lead, looking hopeful for their first win as they rounded the final mark, but a 25-knot rain squall (intense storm of rain and wind that lasts minutes) sent PATRIOT flying into the air. Then she crashed down onto her side. They could not right it. “We didn’t realize the severity of the situation at first,” said Skipper and Executive Director Terry Hutchinson. “The first half hour I thought it was going to sink.”

But through heroic efforts from first responders, the chase boats, and the crew, it did not. The chase boats threw out cables and were able to right the boat as all the competing teams and the Defender hurried out to help save the PATRIOT. Tragically, they discovered a large hole in the hull on the port side. Emergency responders gave them the saving grace – life raft boats – which they wrapped under PATRIOT and it stopped sinking. It took hours to get tugged back to the dock and lift PATRIOT out of the water. The American Magic Team went right into repair mode. Unfortunately, they will not be able to race this weekend, Jan 22-24. as they continue the repairs, but hopefully American Magic’s PATRIOT will be back sailing in the water for the Semi Finals Jan 29-31. After watching the competing teams race to help the US team, you learn a lot about this sailing community. All three teams offered their help in any way as American Magic repairs its boat. (The photo to the left is how we can tap into that lead they had over the Italians and wish the US good luck when they return to sailing.)

Scoreboard:

INEOS Team UK 4
Luna Rossa PRADA Pirelli Team 2
New York Yacht Club American Magic 0

17/01/21 – Auckland (NZL) 36th America’s Cup presented by PRADA PRADA Cup 2021 – Round Robin 2 Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, New York Yacht Club American Magic