America’s Cup 2021: American Magic adds heartfelt tribute to repaired Patriot ahead of relaunch

American Magic’s Patriot is back on the water, sporting heartfelt tribute to his fellow unions who helped make his comeback possible.

The ship, led by Kiwi Dean Barker, has been repaired after sustaining major damage in a dramatic capsize during the opening weekend of the Prada Cup.

The ship left the sheds on Wednesday with a sticker made to look like two plasters over a hole that was repaired, with a New Zealand flag with the words “Thank you.”

“The band-aid graphic with the three flags covering the repair is an acknowledgment from all of us within the American Magic team for the invaluable help received from each of the other three unions,” an American Magic spokesperson told the Herald.

Engineers and crew have worked tirelessly since capsizing and damaging their boat just under two weeks ago, spending long days to ensure they would be back in the water for the semi-final series against Luna Rossa, which begins Friday.

On Wednesday, after a wait of about two hours for the wind to play ball, American Magic sent the Patriot flying over his foils again, flying over the Field C area of ​​Waitematā Harbor, off the coast of North Head.

The crew was out until shortly after 7pm and would set out again on Thursday, conditions permitting, to practice as much sailing as possible before returning to race mode.

American Magic have spoken highly of Team New Zealand in recent weeks after they were offered their help to repair the boat.

“We really gave them part of the project to take on and that has allowed our boat builders and shore team to focus on getting the inside of the Patriot where it belongs,” said American Magic captain Terry Hutchinson. , for the last time. week.

“It has been really impressive to see our team and the support we have received from Team NZ and you know that it would not have been possible without him.”

After an impressive performance in the America’s Cup World Series last month, the Americans were not as successful in the Prada Cup round robins, winless in four races, before capsizing against Italian team Luna Rossa.

Although the New York Yacht Club union has proven its prowess on the water in the past, the uncertainty about how well its reborn vessel will perform has many view the crew as homeless, particularly given the amount of damage suffered indoors. ship’s. It houses vital electronic systems.

The Sean Clarkson grinder, however, has high hopes.

“It is a fantastic ship and we have a good group of sailors,” Clarkson told the Herald.

“I don’t see anything different when we put it back in the water. Everything will continue as usual.

“The ship is not compromised at all; it is as good or better as it was when we submerged it. It is up to us to go and deliver it.

“He would take our ship any day over our opposition, so it’s exciting,” Clarkson added.

Are you going to compete in the Cup?

• Give yourself plenty of time and consider taking a ferry, train or bus to see the Cup.

• Make sure your AT HOP card is in your pocket. It is the best way to ride.

• Don’t forget to scan QR codes with the NZ COVID Tracer app when you are on public transportation and enter America’s Cup Village.

• For more ways to enjoy race day, visit at.govt.nz/americascup.