Youth America’s Cup: Day 1 – Significant swell anticipated to challenge youth teams
by America’s Cup/Sail-World 17 Sep 04:53 PDT
Andoo Team Australia © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
A significant swell of up to one meter, along with initially light winds, is anticipated to test the Group A teams representing the America’s Cup syndicates, as they aim to complete four fleet races in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup.
The notable swell is being driven by a mistral further up in the Mediterranean. The sea conditions will remain similar or worsen for the Semi-Finals of the Louis Vuitton Cup, which resumes tomorrow, Wednesday.
One-meter seas are nearing the limits for sailing AC40s, with potential for some impressive nosedives.
LIVE COVERAGE
Race Summaries:
1235hrs UTC: From the Race Committee – the AC40s are set to dock out shortly.
The AC40 dockout has been delayed due to light winds and [high] sea conditions.
Racing is postponed in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup due to a significant swell of up to one meter alongside initially light winds. The fleet has remained on shore.
Wind limits and course regulations for the Youth America’s Cup differ slightly from those in the America’s Cup, with the most notable being a lower limit of 7.5 knots to commence racing. The upper limit is also reduced to 17 knots, primarily considering the safety of the AC40 fleet. Races have a shortened time limit of 30 minutes, and the time limit to reach the first mark is also reduced to 10 minutes.
The target time for each individual race in the fleet races is 20 minutes, and boats must be in the starting box area at 2 minutes and 10 seconds or face penalties. Penalties are set at 75 meters. The start line will be extended to 0.25 nautical miles for fleet races, and the legs of the course will be roughly 1 nautical mile, depending on conditions.
Today in Barcelona, the wind is expected to start from the east but will gradually shift to a south-easterly direction, creating even courses as observed when the AC75s raced under similar conditions in the Round Robins, with consistent pressure and shifts across the course.
These conditions could provide numerous potential passing lanes for the AC40s, especially during fleet racing, and the Youth sailors will need to be vigilant, observing the boats for pressure and shifts. Wind speeds are anticipated to increase, with the official forecast suggesting 6-10 knots; however, a ‘Xaloc’ wind here in Barcelona can exceed expectations.
Weather Prognosis:
America’s Cup Weather Partner PredictWind has established a dedicated Race Weather Center, allowing fans to access detailed daily weather breakdowns, live webcams, and historical weather information compiled by meteorologists.
Provisional Forecast for Race Day 12: To be updated.
Tuesday 17th Sept
Weather forecast for Tuesday 17 Sept – Youth America’s Cup Day 1
In the early afternoon, we expect light and variable winds, with a south-east flow anticipated to establish later, ranging from 5 to 10 knots. Waves will reach 1 meter from the east with a 5-second period. Expect cloud cover with temperatures rising to 24°C.
Weather conditions are likely to worsen late in the day and during the night, with moderate to strong easterly winds and a chance of rain.
