NYYC American Magic Women fall short in qualifying at Puig Women’s America’s Cup
by NYYC American Magic 11 Oct 10:18 PDT
October 11, 2024
NYYC American Magic Women – Puig Women’s America’s Cup © NYYC American Magic / Amalia Infante
Despite showcasing glimpses of talent, the American Magic Women’s team was unable to qualify for the final series of the Puig Women’s America’s Cup.
Placing 5th in Group A, the team couldn’t manage a top-three finish necessary for advancement. Although their performance in the final races indicated substantial improvement, their chances were hampered by a poor showing on the first day, leaving them with an insurmountable points deficit.
In the initial four races on Day 1, the American Magic Women revealed moments of potential but also committed critical mistakes. Although they exhibited clear ability, the team found themselves playing catch-up after finishing fifth and sixth. “It wasn’t the start we desired, but we know this team has great potential,” commented Erika Reineke, helm. They utilized the breaks between races to regroup, assess their performance, and refine their maneuvers for upcoming races, but faced significant challenges ahead.
Determined to recover, the American Magic Women returned on Race Day 2 with renewed focus. Their third-place finish in the day’s single race showcased improvement and kept their slim hopes of qualification alive. However, with only one race conducted due to weather, there was limited opportunity to close the gap to the leading teams. “We sailed well today and created a chance; we just needed to continue aiming for wins and see if we could qualify,” stated Francesca Clapcich, helm.
As light winds persisted into Day 3, the team’s chances for qualification dwindled. With only one race left, American Magic was mathematically out of contention. Nevertheless, the team demonstrated their tenacity by leading Race 6 until it was abandoned due to inconsistent conditions. Following the restart, they performed well, finishing third, but it wasn’t sufficient to alter their fate. Even though they ended the regatta on a positive note, early mistakes were too great to overcome.
Finishing 5th in the qualifying series is disappointing for a team aiming to reach the finals. However, positives emerged from their overall performance, notably their improvement in the final two days. The American Magic Women fought valiantly and represented the United States, the New York Yacht Club, and American Magic with resilience and pride. This campaign highlights the critical need for precision at this competitive level.
Looking ahead, the team will learn from this regatta experience and apply those lessons as they continue to evolve. Their potential is evident, and with continued teamwork, there’s every reason to believe they’ll return stronger in future events.
NYYC American Magic crew:
Erika Reineke (Helm Starboard)
Louisa Nordstrom (Trimmer Starboard)
Francesca Clapcich (Helm Port)
Sara Stone (Trimmer Port)
For full results and standings, visit WWW.americascup.com/results
