Italy claims Youth America’s Cup – USA struggles after prestart penalty
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/NZ 26 Sep 04:41 PDT
26 September 2024
American Magic and Luna Rossa – AC40 – UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, Race Day 8 – September 26, 2024 © Ian Roman / America’s Cup
Italy has won the Youth America’s Cup in a final that nearly ended before it began.
Competing in winds of 14-15 knots and a sizeable sea state, the outcome was determined during the pre-start of the winner-takes-all Final Race for the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup. The American Magic team, coming from the port side of the starting line, entered the start box early and were swiftly penalized by the booth umpires.
The US crew could only serve their penalty after the race began, unless the Italians were penalized for a violation as well. American Magic managed to clear their penalty only after tacking across Luna Rossa’s stern and dropping back beyond the required 75 meters.
Under the leadership of Harry Melges, the team still had a chance at the first mark, rounding it 22 seconds or 150 meters after Luna Rossa. However, American Magic faltered when they caught their windward foil in the rough sea, causing the AC40 to heave into the wind, and handed Luna Rossa an additional 250 meters of advantage.
From that point, the Italians only needed to protect their significant lead, handle their boat with extreme caution, and maintain a loose watch on the Americans.
Luna Rossa did slightly falter in the final leg’s closing stages, as they experienced a minor wash-out, reducing their 800-meter lead to 650 meters.
American Magic finished 36 seconds behind an ecstatic Luna Rossa, which was exuberant even by Italian standards, earning the first trophy win of the America’s Cup Regattas.
