Young Kiwi Achieves Remarkable Victory at AC Sailing E-Series Qualifier
Young Kiwi Liam Dimock Triumphs in AC Sailing E-Series Qualifier
As the racing on the water during the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta wrapped up on Saturday, excitement was just beginning in the America’s Cup Sailing E-Series Regatta qualifier. Fourteen-year-old Liam Dimock from New Zealand delivered an impressive performance, clinching victory in the final race and earning an unforgettable trip to Barcelona for the Grand e-Series Final.
In a fiercely competitive matchup, Liam triumphed by just 4 points over his closest rival, Lukas from Denmark, who finished with 101 points. Liam, steering “ESailingCentral,” racked up a total of 105 points across five races, ensuring his spot in the Grand Final set to take place in Barcelona on September 28th.
With over 330 meters of lead, Liam crossed the finish line at an exhilarating speed of 32 knots during the final race, achieving a convincing series win and securing his place as a qualifier for the 2024 AC Sailing e-Series Grand Final.
Post-race, an ecstatic Liam shared his thoughts with presenters Jesse Tuke and Justin Busuttil, expressing his disbelief at the win: “I’m stoked. I honestly didn’t think I was going to win; I thought Lukas had it in the bag.” He explained his calm approach in the race: “Let’s go, see what happens, not thinking about results, no hunting, no match-racing, and I said let’s just sail how I normally sail, and I got it!”
Liam’s victory means everything to him as he shared, “Being that 14-year-old kid that comes out of his bedroom… sailing is part of my life, and I’ve been working to try and get out of New Zealand to see the real world. This is everything to me. This is crazy. I can’t believe it!”
His father, cheering proudly from behind, acknowledged the dedication Liam has shown to the game, remarking, “As soon as the game came out, he was right into it… It means a heck of a lot to Liam, and we’re super-excited for him. He put in an insane amount of hours, in the mornings and after school. What an opportunity for him!”
Liam has also become a social media sensation, running his own Discord channel to promote the AC Sailing e-Series and maintaining an active presence on Instagram. His signature yellow helmet and aero sunglasses have garnered him the affectionate nickname “Helmet Boy” within the AC Sailing e-Series community.
Now, Liam is set for his journey to Barcelona for the AC Sailing e-Series Grand Final, where he will face intense competition from six series winners and two wildcard entries. Contestants will battle for a share of the €50,000 prize pool, with the champion taking home approximately €25,000.
With everything on the line, excitement is palpable as we look forward to welcoming Liam to Barcelona! For more details, visit americascup.com/e-series.
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Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.