Thrilling Comebacks: Alinghi Red Bull Racing and NYYC American Magic Keep Hopes Alive in Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals
Sport often brings surprises, and today’s Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals were no exception. In a day that could have seen eliminations, both Alinghi Red Bull Racing and NYYC American Magic fought back with impressive victories in challenging conditions, keeping their hopes alive in the competition.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s Comeback Against INEOS Britannia
The day’s first race between Alinghi Red Bull Racing and INEOS Britannia started after a series of delays due to light winds. With a breeze barely meeting the lower limit of 6.5 knots, both teams knew that any mistake would be costly. INEOS Britannia initially had the advantage, but a critical error on the third leg—falling off their foils after tacking—allowed the Swiss team to take the lead. Alinghi Red Bull Racing executed a flawless tack and sailed ahead to secure their first win, despite facing their own challenges staying on the foils as the race clock ticked down.
Arnaud Psarofaghis, skipper of Alinghi Red Bull Racing, expressed his relief after the race: “We managed to stay in the game after INEOS dropped off their foils. It was tough, but we’re still in the competition, and we’ll keep pushing.”
NYYC American Magic Turns the Tables on Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli
The second race of the day was a gripping battle between NYYC American Magic and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, with the Italians holding match point. Despite Luna Rossa’s early lead, the American team’s tactical brilliance helped them overtake on the second upwind leg. A series of penalties against the Italians at the leeward gate proved decisive, as Luna Rossa fell off their foils, allowing NYYC American Magic to sail to an uncontested victory.
Tom Slingsby, helmsman of NYYC American Magic, was thrilled with the win: “The boat felt great, especially in light conditions that were challenging for us before. We’re confident and ready to keep the momentum going.”
Frustration for Luna Rossa and INEOS Britannia
For both Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli and INEOS Britannia, today’s losses were a setback, but both teams remain in the fight. Sir Ben Ainslie of INEOS Britannia acknowledged the disappointment but remained optimistic: “It’s not over until you get those five wins. We know we can sail better.”
Meanwhile, Francesco Bruni, port helm of Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, lamented the penalties that cost them the race: “It was a tough day, and we made some bad calls, especially at the mark. We need to learn from this and come back stronger.”
Looking Ahead: Semi-Finals Continue
With light winds prevailing throughout the afternoon, racing was abandoned after two heats, but the Louis Vuitton Cup Semi-Finals will resume on Wednesday, September 18, with two more races planned for each pairing.
In the meantime, excitement builds for the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, which kicks off tomorrow, showcasing the next generation of sailors in fleet racing aboard the AC40s.
Conclusion
Today was a day of surprises and resilience, proving that in the Louis Vuitton Cup, anything can happen. Both Alinghi Red Bull Racing and NYYC American Magic have kept their hopes alive, and as the competition heats up, fans can expect more thrilling battles ahead.
