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Copa América teams fight to save Patriot
By Mark Jardine and Richard Gladwell Jan 17 01:29 EST
January 17, 2021
A big turnaround for American Magic on day 3 of the PRADA Cup © America’s Cup
A big turnaround for American Magic on day 3 of the PRADA Cup © COR36 / Studio Borlenghi
It has been a day of great drama in Auckland at the PRADA Cup, with all the supporting teams now fighting to save the AC75 ‘Patriot’ from the NYYC American Magic.
In the New York Yacht Club American Magic’s match against Luna Rossa PRADA Pirelli, the US team attempted to execute a tack in a major storm while leading. With the leeward runner seemingly jammed, the bow was raised, causing the main blades to leave the water and then capsize.
After straightening the yacht, it became clear that there was a significant amount of water inside the ship, with buoys and other flotation devices attached and pumps rapidly deployed. Despite this, the bow is still under water.
Update, 7.00 pm local time: All the teams’ support boats are helping. The latest news from the water is that the bow is now clear of the water situation and appears stable, hopefully the towing will start soon.
Update, 7.30 pm local time: The other team tenders have been withdrawn, a trailer is imminent.
Update – 10.00 pm NZDT from American Magic: American Magic’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, has stabilized and is in the process of 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 immediately coming to our aid. An ETNZ chase boat is assisting the team with the towing operation, and our fellow Challengers assisted 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, the Auckland Harbor Captain, the local police and fire personnel and all others who have helped us and continue to help us throughout this difficult time for our team.
Update – 11.55 pm NZDT:PATRIOT is now safe ashore and the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic team is assessing the damage.
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