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NYYC American Magic Triumphs at Louis Vuitton Cup Day 2
New York Yacht Club American Magic on Louis Vuitton Cup Round Robin 1 Day 2
NYYC American Magic’s second match in the Louis Vuitton Cup featured a competitive race against the Swiss team, Alinghi Red Bull Racing. The event took place during the first round-robin stage of the challenger selection series.
With easterly winds forecasted between 6-8 knots, the American crew, including helmsmen Tom Slingsby and Paul Goodison, as well as trimmers Andrew Campbell and Michael Menninger, faced a challenging situation requiring precise control to stay on the foils.
The race committee delayed the start of the race three times until 14:23 CET, due to light winds. When the race began, the American crew made a timely entry from the port end, gaining a significant lead over Alinghi Red Bull Racing, who entered from the right.
Although Alinghi attempted to follow American Magic to the right-side box, they lost speed and fell off the foils, allowing American Magic to secure a clean start. While the Swiss team managed to get back on their foils shortly after, the inconsistent wind conditions kept the American sailors alert and focused.
During the race, American Magic successfully stayed airborne for three complete legs, even as they faced difficulties on the second downwind leg, which ultimately became the final leg after the course was shortened. There were moments of displacement, but the team quickly regained speed and maintained control.
In the final approach to the finish line, despite another drop into displacement mode, American Magic remained calm and crossed the finish line ahead of their competition, achieving their first point in the Louis Vuitton Cup.
After the victory, Tom Slingsby shared his thoughts: “It wasn’t pretty at all, but it’s just tough conditions. You get a nice gust of eight and a half knots, and then it comes down to five and a half, making it a true challenge to stay on the foils. We secured the win, but there are definitely areas for improvement.”
Paul Goodison added, “Getting our first win in the Louis Vuitton series is fantastic. Today was quite stressful due to the changing wind conditions. We executed a strong start, which forced Alinghi to drop off their foils before we could sail away. Managing the foil and displacement modes towards the finish line was tricky, but the relief of crossing that line was immense.”
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Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.
