American Magic get into trouble during their loss to Luna Rossa. Photo / Brett Phibbs
American Magic get into trouble during their loss to Luna Rossa. Photo / Brett Phibbs
As American Magic prepared to set out for the first two races of the Prada Cup semifinals against Luna Rossa, the emotion of the situation was clear.
With international country and western superstar Caroline Jones belting out The Star Spangled Banner as their giant flag flew proudly in the wind above their base on the Wynyard Quarter, the team, its fans and locals around the Viaduct had a moment to reflect on American Magic's triumphs over the past 10 days.
For while they were preparing to enter a now-or-never segment of their America's Cup challenge, to be in the position to do so when their vessel was on the verge of sinking after a capsize two Sundays ago was an achievement in itself.
"If that doesn't move you nothing will," American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson said of Jones' rendition of the country's national anthem. "I'm not quite sure I have to right words to express to her just what she did for us and the motivation of all the families ... we're all proud to represent the United States so having her do that and having those families there is awesome."
But while American Magic started the day with the aura of triumph, that was soon overtaken by frustration on the water.
American Magic were dealt two sizeable losses in the first races of the best-of-seven series against Luna Rossa, being outsailed in both pre-starts, before running into trouble at the end of the fifth leg in both races.
Luna Rossa took hefty leads over American Magic in both races. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Although beaten out of the blocks, American Magic showed plenty of speed on the water and looked as though it would take just a small mistake from their opposition to open the door for them; as has happened a number of times during the America's Cup World Series and Prada Cup so far.
However, in rounding the right-hand marker of the fifth gate, American Magic came off their foils and, in doing so, lost too much ground to Luna Rossa.
In the second race, Dean Barker's frustration was made clear by his one-worded response to their splashdown which was picked up by the broadcast and quickly drew apologies to the viewers from the commentary team.
Speaking to the Herald after the day's racing, Hutchinson said Barker's were familiar ones amongst the team.
"We all race to win," Hutchinson said. "We all shared his frustrations without question."
American Magic get into trouble during their loss to Luna Rossa. Photo / Brett Phibbs
While the American outfit celebrated the achievements of their team on land to get Patriot back in working order during the week, frustration and hunger will now drive the sailing team.
After a day of high wind conditions saw both teams hit speeds above 49 knots (91 kph) – with American Magic racing at 53 knots (98 kph) at one point – Saturday's forecast predicts much lighter and variable winds conditions, which many expect to work in favour for Luna Rossa.
"To race at a high level, you have to treat each day as the same," Hutchinson said. "Today, you'd have to say we need to understand the mistakes we made and not make them twice.
"We know Luna Rossa's boat is a good boat all the way through the range, and we think Patriot is a good boat all the way through the range.
"So, we don't have to deviate too much. If you go and try to change a lot of things, chances are that it'll bite you."
Heading into the Cup racing?
• Give yourself plenty of time and think about catching a ferry, train or bus to watch the Cup.
