Copa America teams struggle to save Patriot

Copa America teams struggle to save Patriot

by Mark Jardine and Richard Gladwell January 17 1:29 AM EST
January 17, 2021

It was a day of great drama in Auckland at the PRADA Cup, with all the support teams now struggling to save the NY75 American Magic’s AC75 ‘Patriot’.

In the New York Yacht Club American Magic game against Luna Rossa PRADA Pirelli, the American team tried to throw a defensive throw in a major storm while in the lead. With the leeward corridor apparently stuck, the bow reared up, causing the main leaves to come out of the water and then roll to the side.

After straightening the yacht, it was clear that there was a significant amount of water in the boat, with buoys and other flotation devices attached and pumps fired quickly. Despite this, the bow is still submerged.

Update, 19h, local time: All team support boats are helping. The latest news on the water is that the bow is now clean and the water situation looks stable, hopefully, the trailer will start soon.

Update, 7:30 pm, local time: All other competitors have backed off, a trailer is imminent.

Update – 22:00 NZDT from American Magic: American Magic’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, has stabilized and is slowly being towed back to shore. We would like to express once again our sincere thanks to our competitors, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK and Emirates Team New Zealand, for coming to our aid immediately. An ETNZ chase boat is currently assisting the team in the towing operation, and our challenger companions helped with equipment, personnel and general support on the water.

We are also grateful to America’s Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, the New Zealand Coast Guard, Auckland Harbourmaster, the local firefighters and police and everyone else who has helped us and is still helping us in this difficult time for our team.

Update – 11:55 pm NZDT:PATRIOT is now safe on land and the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team is assessing the damage.