America’s Cup 2021: American Magic left frustrated after disappointing start to Prada Cup semifinals

As American Magic prepared to tackle the first two races of the Prada Cup semifinals against Luna Rossa, the excitement of the situation was clear.

With international and western superstar Caroline Jones singing The Star Spangled Banner as her giant flag flapped proudly in the wind over her base in Wynyard Quarter, the team, their fans, and the locals around the Viaduct had a moment to reflect on the triumphs of American Magic for the last 10 days.

Because as they prepared to enter a now or never segment of their America’s Cup challenge, being in a position to do so when their boat was about to sink after capsizing two Sundays ago was an achievement in itself.

“If that doesn’t move you, nothing will,” American Magic captain Terry Hutchinson said of Jones’ rendition of the country’s national anthem. “I’m not really sure I have the right words to express to her what she did for us and the motivation of all the families … we are all proud to represent the United States, so her doing that and families there is incredible.”

But while American Magic started the day with an aura of triumph, it was soon overtaken by frustration on the water.

American Magic suffered two sizable losses in the opening races of the best-of-seven series against Luna Rossa, being outscored in both pre-starts, before struggling late in the fifth stage in both races.

Although they were defeated by blocks, American Magic showed a lot of speed in the water and it seemed like it would take a little mistake from their opponent to open the door for them; as has happened several times during the America’s Cup World Series and the Prada Cup so far.

However, by rounding the marker to the right of the fifth gate, American Magic came off their foils and, in doing so, lost too much ground to Luna Rossa.

In the second race, Dean Barker’s frustration was made clear by his one-word response to his splashdown that was picked up by the broadcast and promptly sparked apologies from viewers on the commentary team.

Speaking to the Herald after the day’s race, Hutchinson said Barker’s were familiar to the team.

“We all race to win,” Hutchinson said. “We all share their frustrations without question.”

While the US team celebrated their team’s achievements on the ground to get the Patriot back on track for the week, frustration and hunger will now drive the navigation team.

After a day of high winds, both teams reached speeds in excess of 49 knots (91 kph), with American Magic racing at 53 knots (98 kph) at one point, Saturday’s forecast predicting much milder and more variable wind conditions, that many hope will work. in favor of Luna Rossa.

“To run at a high level, you have to treat each day as the same,” Hutchinson said. “Today, you would have to say that we have to understand the mistakes we made and not make them twice.

“We know that Luna Rossa’s boat is a good boat across the range, and we believe that Patriot is a good boat across the range.

“So we don’t have to stray too far. If you go and try to change a lot of things, it will likely bite you.”

Are you going to compete in the Cup?

• Give yourself enough 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.