The big favorite
With one of the largest budgets in the 2021 Cup, the syndicate representing the New York Yacht Club was the first to embark on the quest for the Cup. Led jointly by Terry Hutchinson and Dean Barker, Amercian Magic was the first to launch an AC 75. They were also the first to train on the New Zealand race course. Demonstrating superiority among the challengers in the ACWS preliminaries, the American foiler, named Patriot, finished second behind Team New Zealand.
But his opponents know how to question themselves and do a lot of groundwork. The start of the Prada Cup proves that the English, who were in last place during the preparatory phases, have found the right instructions for their boat and that their helmsman Ben Ainslie, multiple Olympic champion, has regained confidence in his AC 75. The same goes for the Italians of Luna Rossa, who have made good progress. It was the beginning of the rout for the Americans, who were no longer able to win on the water.
A capsizing with serious consequences
On January 17, 2021, during the second regatta of the day against the Italians of Luna Rossa, American Magic was well placed. However, as it was charging at 47 knots, a violent gust of wind caused it to pitch up, then the American foiler fell heavily to port. The impact was violent and a breach opened on her side.
However, the American crew only realised this once the boat was flattened, as the boat had capsized on the side of the breach. The water ingress is significant and American Magic begins to sink.
The rescue crews quickly set up, no crew member was injured, but the foiler was in a critical situation. Rarely in the history of the Cup have staffs from other teams come to the aid of the American team. Patriot is now firmly moored to two tenders and is being brought back to Auckland Harbour.
Night crane operations revealed a breach about one metre in diameter, but peripheral delamination suggests much greater structural damage. The entire vessel was flooded, including the hydraulics and the electronic control unit used to regulate the foils and sail trim. Terry Hutchinson is trying to keep up a good appearance at the press conference, but the future looks uncertain.
After working day and night for a big week, Patriot is being refurbished at the cost of an incredible job.
A catch and release, then a kill
Patriot is launched again on January 26th. As a thank you to the teams who worked for his rescue, he wears two Band-Aids representing the nations that were thanked.
After a short navigation designed to validate the systems, he made it to the semi-finals against Luna Rossa. The American foiler tried to keep his head up, but the penalty was severe. Not being able to fly properly due to several technical and human malfunctions, he was unable to stay in contact with Luna Rossa.
Sailing without pressure, the Italians won all four regattas, eliminating the New York Yacht Club syndicate. The Americans are out.
From February 13, the Prada Cup final will pit the Italians of Luna Rossa against the English of Ineos. The first to win seven races will have the honour of facing the defender Team New Zealand in the America's Cup from March 3rd, 2021. Whatever happens, the Cup has a 50/50 chance of returning to a 'European' country. Keep your fingers crossed!
