America’s Cup teams are fighting to save Patriot
by Mark Jardine and Richard Gladwell January 17 1:29 AM EST
January 17, 2021
A huge upheaval for American Magic on day 3 of the PRADA Cup © America’s Cup
A huge turnaround for American Magic on day 3 of the PRADA Cup © COR36 / Studio Borlenghi
It was a day of great drama in Auckland, at the PRADA Cup, with all the support teams now fighting to save the AC75 “Patriot” from NYYC American Magic.
In the New York Yacht Club American Magic match against Luna Rossa PRADA Pirelli, the American team tried to execute a rookie bear in a big shot while in the lead. With the runner apparently blocked, the bow rose, resulting in the main foils leaving the water, then rolling in a rollover.
After straightening the yacht, it was clear that there was a significant amount of water inside the boat, with buoys and other floating devices attached and pumps deployed quickly. Despite this, the bow is still under water.
Update, local time 19:00: All the teams that support the boats help. The latest news from the water is that the spring is now free of the water situation seems stable, hopefully the towing will start soon.
Update, 19:30, local time: The other offers of the team have withdrawn, a tow is imminent.
Update – 22.00 NZDT from American Magic: American Magic’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, has been stabilized and is being slowly towed back to shore. We would like to once again express our sincere thanks to our competitors, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK and Emirates Team New Zealand, for their immediate help. An ETNZ tracking boat is currently assisting the team with the towing operation, and our Challenger colleagues helped with equipment, personnel and general assistance on the water.
We are also grateful to America’s Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, the New Zealand Coastguard, Auckland Harbourmaster, the local fire and police staff and everyone else who helps us and still helps us in this difficult time for our team.
Update – 23.55 NZDT:PATRIOT is now safe ashore, and the American Magic team at the New York Yacht Club is assessing the damage.
