SailTeam BCN leads after victory in hometown race on Day 3 of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup
by America’s Cup media 20 Sep 13:22 PDT
17-26 September 2024
The first day of fleet racing for the Invited Teams from Australia, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, and Sweden in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup saw the weather ultimately determine the schedule; however, SailTeam BCN, the local favorites, captured the spotlight with a victory in the lone race of the day.
Racing occurred under challenging easterly ‘Llevant’ conditions amidst heavy cloud cover and rainstorms. From the outset, it was crucial to stay on the foils as long as possible and handle difficult maneuvers against the 0.5-meter swell. After minor delays for the weather to improve, the fleet of six AC40s set off at 1419, with Andoo Team Australia, helmed by Cole Tapper, making an impressive start at the port end of the line.
Concord Pacific Racing from Canada, with Andrew Wood at the helm, joined the Australians in the initial rush towards the left boundary but faced challenges with two pre-start penalties, followed by a third penalty for failing to take their penalties promptly, making their race increasingly difficult.
This race was about survival of the fittest, and for the teams that could maintain their composure, rewards awaited. The Swedish Challenge quickly capitalized on errors made by others. While many yachts fell into displacement mode, Oscar Engström’s well-trained crew surged ahead, rounding the top gate nearly 400 meters in front of the trailing SailTeam BCN.
The first downwind leg of this abbreviated three-leg course saw all yachts losing their foils and considerable separation within the fleet, with the leaders almost a full leg ahead of those still grappling with the first windward gate.
However, the situation changed as Canada, Australia, and Germany gained a fresh breeze at the course’s top, reinvigorating their chances. For the Swedish and Spanish teams, who were nearly halfway through the final leg to the finish, it was agonizing to watch the trailing boats close the distance.
Miraculously, SailTeam BCN found a way to foil on the left side just as the unpredictable Llevant delivered a crucial right shift, enabling the Swedish team to sail directly toward the finish line—yet frustratingly, they remained in displacement mode.
The Spaniards kept their cool, executed a successful foiling tack, and returned to the center of the course before making a final foiling tack that aligned them alongside the Swedes. Crossing the finish line at approximately 20 knots, SailTeam BCN clinched a remarkable victory and earned 10 points to lead the standings.
For Sweden, it was heartbreak as they appeared set for second place until Concord Pacific Racing sped past right at the finish line, dropping the Swedes to third. Better days are certainly ahead for the Swedish crew, who have shown exceptional boat handling and tactical acumen in this division.
After the race, Martin Wizner, skipper of SailTeam BCN, expressed his joy over the victory, stating: “It was the best possible way to launch the series, although we’re disappointed we couldn’t complete four races. As a team, we haven’t sailed together on the AC40 for long, but tonight we can rest easy knowing we’re in first place, and we’re very pleased with that.”
“The toughest moment was as we approached the first downwind leg near the leeward gate, while the others were foiling toward us at 20 knots, and we were at five knots, struggling in low mode. It was challenging to stay composed, but after rounding the leeward gate, we got onto the foils, and from there, it was straightforward.”
Regarding the significance of being a local Barcelona team leading the competition, a smiling Wizner added: “It brings a great sense of pride, and I hope the people of the city are watching and feeling happy and proud. It couldn’t have been a better way to start, and we’ll be ready for more tomorrow.”
After disembarking, Ludvig Lindqvist, helm for the Swedish Challenge, remained remarkably composed following a challenging day on the water. Recognizing the broader perspective, Lindqvist said: “It’s the event’s first race, so there were obviously nerves. We’ve trained extensively, feel prepared, and maintained our composure throughout the course; however, it was disheartening not to foil on the last leg. We managed to secure a third instead of a fifth, so that’s a small positive, yet it still stings.”
Andrew Wood, the intriguing skipper of Concord Pacific Racing, was thrilled with the Canadian team’s second-place finish, affirming: “Honestly, it was quite surprising. I wasn’t entirely certain of our finishing position within the fleet because we focused heavily on staying on the foils, making it less of a priority to track our position.”
“Our attention was on keeping the boat afloat. The conditions were challenging, with substantial holes in the breeze; it required a lot of effort to connect with the pressure. Everyone lost their foils, making it about finding that extra pressure and getting back up as quickly as possible.”
The Race Committee announced after racing that the Invited Teams will proceed with their series tomorrow, starting shortly after 1400 CET.
Just one race today, but for the local supporters, SailTeam BCN is the toast of Barcelona tonight. There’s much more to look forward to in this thrilling series in the coming days.
