America’s Cup 2021: American Magic on track to relaunch ahead of Prada Cup semifinals

This time around next week, American Magic will line up in the Prada Cup semi-finals, just under two weeks after its dramatic overturn in the port of Waitematā.

The ‘Patriot’ capsized after tacking back at 45 knots in the penultimate stage of her career against Luna Rossa on day three of the Prada Cup, with a rescue effort of more than three hours required to prevent the ship from collapsing. sink.

The team has been working overtime to repair a huge hole in the Patriot’s hull, as well as to replace the ship’s electronics and bank system.

Speaking to Mike Hosking Breakfast, skipper Terry Hutchinson thinks they are well on their way to getting back into racing next week.

“Things are looking exactly like we planned and the guys have to keep moving forward,” Hutchinson said.

“We know we will compete at this time next week … the schedule is what it is and sitting here today we are in a reasonably good place to get the boat into the water a week from yesterday.”

However, American Magic has not been able to go it alone, as New Zealand team boss Grant Dalton offered his team’s resources to help his opponents get back on the water.

“The defenders helped us with their boat building facilities, we’ve really given part of the project to them to take on and that allowed our boat builders and shore team to focus on getting the interior of Patriot where it needs to be. be, “Hutchinson said.

“It has been really impressive to see our team and the support we have received from Team NZ and you know it would not have happened without him. Our goal is to bring this back into the water and make what happened last week a distant memory and go back to the races “.

Meanwhile, the remaining Prada Cup rivals Luna Rossa and Ineos Team UK will participate in “ghost races” today due to Prada Cup regulations to get the victory by default.

Competitors must start a “ghost race” against American Magic to allow the Race Director to award the point to the relevant team.

The race will be suspended only a few minutes after the start. The 25 minute rule between the two starts will not apply.

The revised schedule will mean Luna Rossa and Ineos Team UK will meet twice, with one race each on Saturday and Sunday at 4pm.

The third and fourth free-for-all races will determine the automatic qualifier for the Prada Cup final, with the remaining two teams meeting in a seven-race semi-final to determine the second runner-up.

Prada Cup schedule – round robin three and four

Saturday, January 23, 2021:
Luna Rossa vs Ineos Team UK – Starts at 4pm

Sunday, January 24, 2021:
Ineos Team UK vs Luna Rossa – Starts at 4pm

Are you going to compete in the Cup?

• Be aware that there will be heavy traffic and parking will be very limited.

• Take enough time and think about taking a ferry, train, or bus.

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

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