| Auckland, New Zealand – New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. Challenger for the 36th America’s Cup, completed its first sailing session onboard the newly-launched AC75 PATRIOT in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbor. After a 9:00 AM christening event on Friday, October 16th at the team’s base in the Wynyard Quarter, the team engaged in an afternoon of dockside testing. At 4:30 PM in flat-calm conditions, the dark blue AC75 was pulled up onto its foils by a chase boat and towed at high speed to a location near Rangitoto Lighthouse. Design, shore and sailing team members then conducted additional testing on sails and systems prior to making the decision to let PATRIOT cast off under her own power. “We went off the dock thinking that if the breeze filled in, we’d have a good sail,” said Terry Hutchinson, Skipper and Executive Director of American Magic. “Straight away, we came into 21 knots [of pressure], and we were into it. This really demonstrates the confidence that the sailors have in everyone on the team.” After 92 days of on-the-water development in the AM38 test boat and 66 days on the team’s first AC75, DEFIANT, American Magic began logging hours on a yacht that is the embodiment of three years of hard-earned data and lessons. “Yesterday was PATRIOT’s first sailing day, but the overall operation felt like any other day,” said Hutchinson. “Despite having a brand-new boat that we were all excited about, the whole session felt normal. That’s a great validation of our shore team and all of the work put in since we launched the Mule in 2018.” After sailing from Rangitoto Lighthouse to North Head, PATRIOT headed upwind past Devonport before bearing away back towards Rangitoto Island. The AC75’s first gybe, attempted with a windspeed of around 20 knots, turned out to be a memorable one. “We had a great nosedive, and that was exciting,” said Hutchinson. “It was nothing that we haven’t seen or done on our other boats, and our familiarity with PATRIOT will increase rapidly over the coming days.” Helmsman Dean Barker noted that he and team were encouraged by the yacht’s performance overall. Barker described the new AC75, built by a team of 50 in Bristol, Rhode Island, as “lively.” American Magic’s approach to performance development involves a firm focus on spending time on the water in conjunction with advanced simulation onshore. To that end, the U.S. Challenger expects to log as many sailing days as possible until the first preliminary racing event, America’s Cup World Series Auckland (December 17-20, 2020). |
| About SeaDek Marine Products SeaDek manufactures a wide range of PE/EVA non-skid products for OEM boat builders, aftermarket customers, and dealers. In addition to custom products, SeaDek offers an extensive line of retail items, including DIY sheet material, anti-fatigue helm station pads, coaming bolsters, and more. As a safe and comfortable alternative to molded-in non-skid, paint-on textures and other marine traction products currently available, SeaDek provides exceptional traction and aesthetically pleasing stylistic options. Made from UV protected non-absorbent PE/EVA foam, SeaDek utilizes an acrylic-based 3M™ pressure sensitive adhesive for a lasting bond and simple peel-and-stick application. With a wide array of colors, textures, and thicknesses available, there is a place for SeaDek on every boat, and their quickly-growing network of SeaDek Certified Fabricators and Installers has made getting custom SeaDek easier than ever. Learn more at http://www.seadek.com. About New York Yacht Club American Magic Formed in October 2017 by Bella Mente Racing, Quantum Racing and the New York Yacht Club, American Magic represents a joint vision to win the America’s Cup, the highest prize in sailing and the oldest trophy in international sports. American Magic brings together two highly successful racing programs with one of the foremost yacht clubs in the world, united by a campaign to win back the Cup, reconnect the American sailing base with the premier event in the sport and elevate the quality of competitive sailing in the United States. The name, American Magic, is a nod to the New York Yacht Club’s storied America’s Cup history; a combination of the boat the trophy is named for, and the first boat to defend it. American Magic will develop and support a team that will participate in the America’s Cup competition, the Prada Cup and the America’s Cup World Series events that lead up to both. American Magic’s Official Innovation Partner is Airbus, along with Team Partner TSI Incorporated. Other partnerships include Official Apparel Sponsor Helly Hansen and Official Control Systems Sponsor Parker Hannifin. BMW of North America is the team’s exclusive premium automotive provider. American Magic is a recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. www.americanmagic.com About the New York Yacht Club The New York Yacht Club was founded in 1844 when nine New York yachtsmen met aboard John Cox Stevens’ yacht and a year later its original clubhouse was built in Hoboken, N.J. The Club’s Annual Regatta was first run in 1845. The Club was the keeper of the America’s Cup from 1851 to 1983, and it organized the first transatlantic race in 1866. The Club maintains two exquisite clubhouses, on 44th Street in the heart of New York City, known for its Model Room and extensive nautical library, and Harbour Court in Newport, R.I., which annually hosts some of North America’s most prestigious sailing events, including the Annual Regatta, Race Week at Newport presented by Rolex, the Rolex New York Yacht Club Invitational Cup and the Queen’s Cup. www.nyyc.org |
| Press Contact:Will Ricketson, Communications Director T: +1 978 697 2384 (USA) E: will@americanmagic.com |
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