Concord Pacific Racing Secures Second Place to Launch UniCredit Youth America’s Cup
by Concord Pacific Racing 20 Sep 11:41 PDT
17-26 September 2024
Concord Pacific Racing Youth Team Canada at UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, Race Day 3 – Group B – September 20, 2024 – Barcelona © David Maynard / www.alleycatphotographer.com
Concord Pacific Racing’s Youth Team achieved an impressive second place finish in their inaugural race at the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup in Barcelona today, despite weather disruptions leading to only one race being held.
After two days of weather-related delays, the team finally embarked on their historic campaign, making an immediate impact on the water.
“Today was incredibly challenging on the water, with a lot of variables and unexpected holes. At some point, every boat was out of their foils, so it was a stressful day, but it felt great to perform well,” said Andrew Wood, Youth Captain for Concord Pacific Racing.
“Honestly, we were uncertain of our performance until the end. We focused solely on keeping the boat flying. Just before the finish line, we managed to catch the Swedish boat, which was very rewarding. Starting the regatta with a second-place finish is a strong beginning for us, and our aim is to achieve more top-three finishes to advance to the next round.”
In challenging conditions, the Canadians incurred two penalties in the pre-start and a third shortly after the race began for not resolving the penalties swiftly enough. Although these early mistakes placed them in fifth position, the team showcased remarkable determination by maintaining their foils while others faltered. They recorded a top speed of 15.36 knots, the fastest in the race, steadily moving up in the rankings.
As the wind diminished and the race was shortened to three legs, the Canadians capitalized on a crucial patch of breeze, regaining momentum and lifting back onto their foils. Entering the final leg, they overtook the Germans near the bottom gate, setting up a dramatic finish. With a late surge, they made a thrilling attempt to pass Sweden mere meters from the finish line, ultimately securing an impressive second-place finish, while Spain took victory on home waters.
Coach Kyle Martin evaluated the team’s performance: “It was a significant day on the water for our group. After several days of delays, we finally got to race, which made the nerves palpable. However, we executed well by prioritizing staying on our foils in the light and patchy conditions. Overall, I am pleased with our performance today, and the team is preparing well for tomorrow.”
Despite the interruptions, Concord Pacific Racing’s performance in their first race provides strong hope for the remainder of the competition. Their ability to navigate challenging conditions while demonstrating speed, effective communication, and teamwork positions them as strong prospects moving forward.
With racing suspended after the first race, Group B competitors will return tomorrow for more action, with forecasts predicting increased wind. Fans can follow the live coverage on the Sail-World.com website, where all races will be streamed.
Group B Standings after Race 1:
1. Sail Team BCN | 10 points
2. Concord Pacific Racing | 7 points
3. Swedish Challenge | 5 points
4. Youth AC Team Germany | 3 points
5. Andoo Team Australia | 2 points
6. Jajo Team DutchSail | DNS (0 points)
Follow all the Concord Pacific Racing action on Instagram or visit the team website.
