New York Yacht Club American Magic clinched victory in the first Preliminary Regatta of the 37th America’s Cup at Vilanova i La Geltru, Spain.
The NYCC American Magic team of Tom Slingsby, Paul Goodison, Riley Gibbs and Michael Menninger had been down in fifth place ahead of the final day of action on the water south of Barcelona, but they turned in a sensational showing to storm to their win.
Regrettably for fans, the Match Race Grand Final, which was due to see NYCC American Magic go up against Emirates Team New Zealand, didn’t go ahead due to low winds, meaning the former team emerged triumphant.
“That was amazing. We put it together and we got the result,” said helmsman Slingsby.
“We sailed well, a couple of little mistakes, but when we made those mistakes it wasn’t in too critical a time so we were able to get three good results and then lead into that final race and with the wind, it was nice knowing that you were leading going into that one.
“After being in fifth place last night, going into today and getting a 2-1-1 and taking the win, that’s amazing. The champagne was very nice.”
Blair Tuke of Emirates Team New Zealand lamented that his team hadn’t been able to make up the gap in the Grand Final.
“It would have been nice to have had a shot at them in that final race,” said the Olympic gold winner.
“Obviously, we would have backed ourselves, but they’ve been sailing incredibly well, fought back nicely and for us just a couple of unforced errors were the difference between winning and not, so that’s something we will look at as a group.
“All in all, I think we’ve got to be very proud with how we sailed, we set the bar in that light wind which was really pleasing.”
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