America’s Cup teams fight to save Patriot

America’s Cup teams fight to save Patriot

by Mark Jardine & Richard Gladwell Jan 17, 01:29 AM EST
January 17, 2021

It was a very dramatic day in Auckland during 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’s American Magic match against Luna Rossa PRADA Pirelli, the American team attempted a side shot in a large burst while in the lead. With the leeward runner apparently stuck, the bow pitched up causing the main foils to both leave the water and then capsize.

After righting the yacht, it was clear that there was a significant amount of water inside the boat, with buoys and other flotation devices attached and pumps deployed quickly. Despite this, the bow is still underwater.

Update, 7:00 p.m. local time: All team support boats help. The latest news on the water is that the bow is now clear of the water situation looks stable, hope towing will start soon.

Update, 7:30 p.m. local time: The team’s other tenders have all withdrawn, towing is imminent.

Update – 10:00 PM NZDT from American Magic: American Magic’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, has been stabilized and is being towed slowly to shore. We would like once again to express our sincere thanks to our competitors, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK and Emirates Team New Zealand, for their immediate assistance. An ETNZ pursuit boat is currently assisting the team with the towing operation, and our fellow Challengers have helped with equipment, personnel and general support on the water.

We are also grateful to the America’s Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, Coastguard New Zealand, the Auckland Harbor Captain, the local fire and police personnel and all who have helped us. have helped and continue to help us during this difficult time for our team.

Update – 11:55 PM NZDT:PATRIOT is now safe ashore and the American Magic team at the New York Yacht Club are assessing the damage.