NYYC American Magic Youth misses out in final, but proud journey to the Podium
by NYYC American Magic 26 Sep 17:56 BST
September 26, 2024
UniCredit Youth America's Cup, Race Day 8, Final Match. NYYC American Magic Youth Team, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Youth Team © Ian Roman / America's Cup
NYYC American Magic Youth delivered a performance to be proud of in today's UniCredit Youth America's Cup final, where they faced off against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in a winner-takes-all showdown.
Despite the Italians sailing an exceptional race with minimal errors, the American crew fought valiantly in a highly competitive match.
The race began with an early setback for American Magic, as they entered the start box early, incurring a "get behind" penalty. This forced the team to take a tactical pause, giving Luna Rossa a slight advantage right from the start. However, under the leadership of Harry Melges, with Kyle Navin, Severin Gramm, and Finn Rowe, American Magic quickly recovered and launched a fierce challenge.
Both teams had to manage the challenging conditions, sailing in a south-westerly breeze of 14-18 knots. Despite the early penalty, American Magic displayed sharp boat handling and smart race strategies, pushing Luna Rossa every step of the way. Though the Italians held the lead, the Americans remained relentless, pressuring their rivals throughout the race.
In the final legs, Luna Rossa's flawless execution maintained their lead, but American Magic's resilience and composure were clear as they fought to close the gap. While they finished with a delta of 36 seconds behind the Italians, their effort and perseverance in overcoming tough competition and reaching the final were highly impressive.
Reflecting on the race, helm Harry Melges had nothing but praise for his opponents and his team:
"First off, huge congratulations to Luna Rossa on a great race. They sailed flawlessly, and it was an honor to compete against them. I couldn't be prouder of our American Magic team—we fought hard, stayed focused, and left everything out on the water. None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from Hap Fauth, Doug DeVos, the New York Yacht Club, and the entire American Magic organization. We're grateful and proud to represent them all."
Reaching the UniCredit Youth America's Cup final is a significant achievement for this young crew. Their ability to stay competitive despite an early setback speaks volumes about their talent and determination.
The future is bright for these sailors, and everybody at New York Yacht Club American Magic couldn't be prouder.
For full results and standings, visit www.americascup.com/results