‘We were in full survival mode’ – Wild racing on day one of the Youth America’s Cup

The primary day of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona didn’t get off to a flying begin on Tuesday 17 September, as difficult circumstances noticed a major delay to racing.

Crews spent a very long time on the water ready for winds, which struggled to succeed in the minimal restrict of seven.5 knots. It wasn’t till the early night that racing was capable of get underway, with a sudden shift within the climate , bringing stronger winds of 14-16 knots from the southeast, together with rougher seas.

The intensified circumstances examined the talents of the younger sailors, notably within the first race of the day, after the sudden change in circumstances caught all groups out they usually began the raving with their greatest headsail up.

The mix of huge waves, gusty winds, and over-canvassed boats noticed all of the crews struggling at occasions all through the races. Within the first race, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, helmed by Marco Gradoni and Gianluigi Ugolini, secured a commanding lead for Italy.

Regardless of the difficult circumstances, they held off American Magic to win the race. Emirates Staff New Zealand put in a powerful efficiency after being early in the beginning, they managed to overtake the British Athena Mission for third place by the tip of the race.

Reflecting on the day, Harry Melges, skipper of NYYC American Magic, described the circumstances. “The racing was actually superior. It was extraordinarily tough for us. The primary race when the wind got here in was fairly bumpy and we’re on the J1 nonetheless which form of threw the boat out of steadiness fairly good and made it fairly difficult to sail.”

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Race two noticed even stronger winds, and technical points picked up within the first race of the day pressured the French and Swiss groups to sit down out. Emirates Staff New Zealand briefly took the lead, however a mistake on the downwind leg allowed Luna Rossa to tug forward. Nevertheless, American Magic overtook the Italians on the ultimate legs, attaining speeds of 30 to 40 knots, and secured the win.

By the tip of the day, American Magic and Luna Rossa had been tied on factors, whereas Emirates Staff New Zealand and Athena Pathway shared third.

Picture: Ian Roman / America’s Cup

Gradoni, skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli – each right here and beforehand in an Americas Cup Preliminary Occasion within the AC40 – praised his group saying: “It was simply superb to race and I’m actually happy with the boys as a result of it was actually tough, particularly downwind it was loopy passing by the waves. I’m actually happy with the boys as a result of they’re much less skilled than me however they study super-fast, and we all know we may be higher.”

Racing within the Youth America’s Cup will resume Wednesday with 4 scheduled races throughout Group A and Group B, beginning at 10:30 CET, with the hope that these races may be run forward of the Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Ultimate racing, which is because of happen at 14:00 CET.

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