High-Octane Racing Kicks Off Day 1 of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup
by America’s Cup media 17 Sep 13:38 PDT
17-26 September 2024
UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, Race Day 1 – Group A – 17th September 2024 © Ricardo Pinto / America’s Cup
After a long wait on the first day of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona, where the lower wind limit of 7.5 knots remained unachieved, action finally ignited in the evening. Strong winds surged from the southeast as dark clouds rolled in from the Mediterranean, bringing gusty, consistent winds of 14-16 knots with a rising sea state over one meter high.
The young sailors entered a full survival mode, but the racing showcased some of the most thrilling action seen this summer in Barcelona. With spin-outs, soaring speeds, and dramatic splashes, the excitement displayed the incredible talent of the next generation at its finest.
The first race commenced just before 1800 CET, with the entire fleet struggling on their largest J1 jibs, adding to the challenge. From the outset, the experience and skill of the Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli team were evident.
Marco Gradoni and Gianluigi Ugolini surged into a dominant lead for Italy, demonstrating exceptional speed and pointing ability. An early start by Emirates Team New Zealand negated their challenge, leaving American Magic, helmed by Harry Melges and Kyle Navin, to pursue Italy. However, Italy maintained their advantage over the six legs, sailing smartly through the waves and overcoming significant challenges to secure the first victory of the series.
Harry Melges, skipper of NYYC American Magic, shared insights on the intensity of the race, stating: “The conditions were quite challenging this afternoon with huge waves. The entire fleet was stuck on J1 sails, which made it tough to handle the boats. Survival was the name of the game for us.”
With the Race Committee directing the fleet to change to smaller J3 jibs, the second race began, but the French and Swiss teams were compelled to withdraw due to onboard technical issues. Emirates Team New Zealand initially took the lead, closely followed by Italy and the USA, but a splashdown ended their chances. Luna Rossa moved ahead, but they faced persistent pressure from American Magic.
During what became the penultimate leg of the course, American Magic executed a perfect starboard lay line out by the right boundary as the wind surged to 18 knots. With speeds exceeding 30 knots, they took the lead and maintained it to finish, with Kyle Navin and Harry Melges crossing the line at an astonishing 40 knots. Exceptional sailing was exhibited by all teams.
The standings are tied at the top, with NYYC American Magic and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli both earning the same points, while Emirates Team New Zealand and Athena Pathway find themselves in a shared third place.
As he returned to shore, Harry Melges, skipper of NYYC American Magic, expressed his excitement: “The racing was truly fantastic. It was extremely challenging. The first race with the incoming wind was quite rough, and being on J1 made the boat hard to control. The second race was even windier and wavier, but we had the right sails up, making it a thrilling ride.”
Commenting on overtaking the Italians upwind, Melges added: “That gave us confidence. Now that we’ve completed two races, we know we can compete, and we will fight for the rest of the regatta. American Magic is all about giving it our all.”
Marco Gradoni, skipper of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, praised his crew: “Racing was incredible today, and I’m very proud of the boys. It was really challenging, particularly downwind through the waves. They are less experienced than I am, but they learn quickly, and we know we can improve.”
The UniCredit Youth America’s Cup has launched with adrenaline-fueled excitement and promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Tomorrow features four races beginning at 10:30 CET, including two Group A races and two from Group B (Invited Teams).
Event website: www.americascup.com/events/unicredit-youth-americas-cup
Group A standings after day 1:
1. NYYC American Magic Youth Team – 17pts
2. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Youth Team – 17pts
3. Athena Pathway Youth Team – 8pts
4. Emirates Team New Zealand Youth Team – 8pts
5. Orient Express – L’Oréal Racing Youth Team – 8pts
6. Alinghi Red Bull Racing Youth Team – 6pts
