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HomeAmerica's CupAC37Race 2: American Magic Soars as Luna Rossa Simply DNF in This Thrilling Showdown

Race 2: American Magic Soars as Luna Rossa Simply DNF in This Thrilling Showdown

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US claims crucial victory as Italian team struggles with penalties and foil issues

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In a dramatic turn of events at the Louis Vuitton Challenger Series, NYYC American Magic took full advantage of Luna Rossa’s struggles to win a pivotal race, keeping their hopes alive in the tournament. With the wind conditions slightly improved from the previous semi-final match between INEOS and Alinghi, both American Magic and Luna Rossa battled fiercely before a costly mistake by the Italians handed the Americans a decisive victory.

September 16, 2024. Louis Vuitton Cup, Semi Finals Race Day 3. LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM, NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC Photo Credit: AC37 media

With wind speeds reaching 5-10 knots, the race began with both boats neck-and-neck off the start line, hitting speeds of 37 knots. However, it was Luna Rossa who gained the early lead, navigating the first gate at 3 minutes and 45 seconds with American Magic 17 seconds behind. The Italians looked in control through the first leg, maintaining a steady 150-metre lead as they sailed through the second gate.

However, the winds dropped slightly, and the tide of the race turned midway through the second leg when Luna Rossa incurred a penalty sailing into American Magic‘s sailing triangle. This forced them to fall back 75 metres, giving American Magic a brief lead. But in a surprising twist, the Italians quickly regained control and pushed ahead once more, leaving the Americans trailing by the end of the second leg.

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September 16, 2024. UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, Practice Day 1. LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM, NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC Photo Credit: AC37 media

Both teams were putting immense pressure on each other, but Luna Rossa’s aggressive tactics cost them dearly as they were served yet another penalty for an infringement, forcing them to fall back once again. Despite the penalty, the Italians managed to close the gap, and the two boats entered the third gate almost side by side—American Magic just two seconds ahead.

The fourth leg saw the competition intensify further, with American Magic maintaining its lead as they crossed the fourth gate first at 17 minutes and 11 seconds, closely followed by Luna Rossa. But just as it looked like the Italians might mount a final challenge, disaster struck. Luna Rossa fell off their foils and were unable to recover, leaving them stranded as the Americans seized their chance.

September 16, 2024. Louis Vuitton Cup, Semi Finals Race Day 3. LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM, NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC.  Photo Credit: AC37 media

“This was the defining moment,” said an onlooker. “Luna Rossa just couldn’t get back up on their foils, and American Magic took full advantage.”

As the Americans surged ahead, Luna Rossa struggled to regain speed, falling over one kilometre behind. By the time American Magic crossed the final gate at 22 minutes and 53 seconds, the Italians were still a distant 1,500 metres back, sealing their fate in this crucial match-up.

September 16, 2024. Louis Vuitton Cup, Semi Finals Race Day 3. LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM, NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC Photo Credit: AC37 media

American Magic completed the race in 26 minutes and 45 seconds, a time that was fast given the earlier issues both boats faced with foiling. Luna Rossa’s failure to recover from their technical issues ultimately cost them the race.

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The victory means American Magic now has a small opening to get back into the competition. Both teams had been favourites, but today’s race showed how quickly fortunes can change in the high-stakes world of America’s Cup sailing.

“We knew we had to give it everything today,” said an American Magic crew member after the race. “It was tough out there with the wind shifting, but we kept our heads down and focused on making fewer mistakes.”

For Luna Rossa, the frustration was palpable. “This race slipped away from us,” admitted a team representative. “The penalties hurt, but falling off the foils sealed our fate. We’ll need to regroup and come back stronger.”

September 16, 2024. Louis Vuitton Cup, Semi Finals Race Day 3. LUNA ROSSA PRADA PIRELLI TEAM, NYYC AMERICAN MAGIC Photo Credit: AC37 media

As the competition heats up, the victory by American Magic is a major shake-up in the series, with both teams now on the points board. The coming races will determine whether the Italians can bounce back or if American Magic can maintain their momentum and continue their climb toward the finals.

Final Word: On a day when penalties and tactical errors decided the race, it was American Magic’s resilience and capitalisation on Luna Rossa’s misfortune that secured them a critical win. The race, marked by high speeds and even higher stakes, leaves the tournament with some more excitement as both teams gear up for their next battles.

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Chris Woodhams
Chris Woodhams
Adventurer. Explorer. Sailor.

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