American Magic’s Strong Finish Hampered by OCS in Opening Race
On the opening day of the Louis Vuitton Cup—the Challenger Series for the 37th edition of the America’s Cup—NYYC American Magic faced off against the British Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia. With His Majesty King Felipe VI of Spain present, the excitement levels were high for this inaugural race.
The competition got off to a delayed start due to light winds that dropped below the required 6.5 knots, which pushed back the schedule for American Magic’s match. As they prepared to enter the start box, the wind conditions became even more challenging, causing their boat, Patriot, to lose its foils just outside the starboard end of the start line. This misfortune allowed the British team to start without any competition.
Despite this setback, American Magic was able to regroup and eventually got Patriot airborne again. After a maneuver, they dipped the line and successfully started the race, determined to close the gap with INEOS. Throughout the next three legs, American Magic made considerable progress, but a slow tack onto the lay line for the second windward mark cost them valuable time, resulting in a deficit of 600 meters.
However, the American crew, featuring helmsmen Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison, along with trimmers Michael Menninger and Andrew Campbell, continued to fight back. In the second half of the race, they managed to pull closer to their competitors. On the final leg, just one mistake from the INEOS Britannia crew could have allowed American Magic to take the lead. Yet, the British team held their ground and finished 14 seconds ahead.
Sailing coach Tom Burnham shared insights on the day’s challenges, acknowledging the difficulty posed by fluctuating wind conditions and a less-than-ideal start. He praised the team for their perseverance and skill during the race, even though they faced a tough loss. Burnham emphasized the importance of learning from this experience and showing up prepared for the next day’s races.
Port helm Paul Goodison reflected on the day, noting the light wind that hindered their maneuverability at the start. He expressed disappointment with the initial setback but also highlighted the impressive comeback effort made by the team throughout the race. Goodison was determined to analyze their performance in the start box and was hopeful for better results moving forward, recognizing both the positives and the areas for improvement.
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Oliver Hayes, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Southampton, has a profound love for the sea that has shaped his career. Holding a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Portsmouth, Oliver is celebrated for his compelling and insightful storytelling. His work vividly captures the excitement of sailing and the rich maritime heritage of the United Kingdom, making him a respected figure in the sailing community. When not writing, Oliver enjoys exploring the British Isles’ diverse coastlines and participating in local regattas, always on the lookout for his next nautical adventure.