NYYC American Magic AC40-5 Day 6 Summary

The huge star-spangled banner was fully extended from the crane at the New York Yacht Club American Magic team base offering a fairly decent clue as to the wind strength out on Pensacola Bay. But, keen to get time in all conditions, the sailors stayed inshore for the flat water and were up and rocketing in double-quick time. Impressive to watch, American Magic was hitting speeds in the low 40 knot region downwind but there’s something about the way they sail, the sheer technique, that oozes class and control. You never really see the Americans ragged. They did this in ‘Patriot’ too and it’s the vast well of experience that they are drawing on that makes them such a thrilling force in this America’s Cup cycle. Lucas Calabrese, undoubtedly one of the very best flight controllers and trimmers in world sailing at the moment, offered a brilliant and open interview afterwards, clearly buzzing from the short session saying: “Yeah it was a nice breeze, around 16 to 20 knots from the north-northwest, it was really nice on the Bay and certainly pushing that little bit more closer to the limits, a little short with some issues with the rudder but good to be out there in the breeze.” Speaking specifically about his role and the unique demands on the flight controllers, Lucas said: “Well obviously trying to keep the heel constant is what you're trying to do as a trimmer and obviously being that puffy and shifty doesn't make the job easy but it’s really good training and you know even though it's considered kind of flat water in the Bay, it was still pretty challenging to get boat in the right spot.” Section 41. Reconnaissance a) As a campaign cost reduction measure, COR/D has mutually agreed to cooperatively implement a centralised reconnaissance programme for all teams for the reconnaissance of all Competitors’ AC75 Yachts, AC40 Yachts and LEQ12 yachts including both on-land and on-water imagery (the “Joint Recon Programme”). b) Each team is assigned a two-person Recon Unit to follow their every on-water move, but it's not that simple. The cameras are supplied and identical for all Recon Units. Drones are not allowed, and they can't get that close, plus following a boat and keeping a camera steady at 45 knots isn't that easy to begin with. c) A three minute interview follows each on water day, and teams must answer the Recon Unit's questions while trying not to give too much away. It's a raw, unedited view of the never before seen behind-the-scenes development of a team and their boat to win the oldest trophy in international sports. #AC37Recon #AmericasCup #Barcelona2024