American Magic Triumphs Over Orient Express to Secure Semifinal Berth
The seventh day of racing at the Louis Vuitton Cup, part of the Challenger Selection Series for the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, featured a compelling showdown for NYYC American Magic. The team faced off against the series leader, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy, in the first race, followed by a crucial encounter with the French Orient Express Racing Team in the day’s third race.
In the first match, American Magic squared off against the formidable Luna Rossa team amid a southerly breeze ranging from six to eleven knots, accompanied by a running swell. Both teams started the race evenly, but Luna Rossa quickly gained an advantage. Although the Italian team displayed solid upwind performance, American Magic proved its mettle by narrowing the gap through strategic tactical maneuvers. A notable shift in tactics momentarily put the American team in the lead, but ultimately, Luna Rossa held their ground, finishing 26 seconds ahead.
However, it was the second race of the day that would determine American Magic’s progression into the semifinals. Required to secure a victory against Orient Express Racing, American Magic delivered an impressive performance. Under the skilled guidance of Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison, the team made a strong start, establishing an early lead and putting pressure on the French crew. Although a poor gybe briefly allowed Orient Express an opening, American Magic quickly regained control and extended their lead to 14 seconds on the downwind leg.
As the race continued, the tough conditions — marked by waves, debris, and shifting winds — presented challenges for both crews. American Magic’s cyclors played a crucial role in maintaining optimal boat speed, while Slingsby and Goodison kept their composure under pressure. Despite a late charge from the French team, American Magic confidently crossed the finish line 15 seconds ahead, clinching their fourth win in the Challenger Series and securing a spot in the semifinals.
Helmsman Tom Slingsby reflected on the difficult race, stating, “We’re happy with that. We’ve got a lot of work to do if we want to keep progressing, but we’re really happy to get through that one and move into the semis. There’s a lot of debris in the water — we hooked something up on the rudder, but luckily it popped off. That was a risky one.”
His teammate, Andrew Campbell, emphasized the challenging nature of the conditions after the race, remarking, “That’s some hard conditions, man.” The victory not only marked a significant accomplishment for American Magic, but it also guaranteed their place in the semifinals of the Louis Vuitton Cup.
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Emily Carter, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Vancouver, has a deep-seated passion for the ocean that has shaped her career. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of British Columbia, Emily has become known for her captivating and detailed storytelling. Her work vividly portrays the excitement of sailing and the distinct maritime culture of Canada, earning her a respected place in the sailing community. When not writing, Emily enjoys navigating the rugged coastlines of British Columbia and participating in local regattas, always eager to embark on her next maritime adventure.