NYYC American Magic PATRIOT Day 39 Summary

Patriot, the soon-to-be de-commissioned warhorse of the New York Yacht Club American Magic syndicate is thoroughly enjoying the autumn of its days, proving to be the perfect test and training platform at full-scale before the syndicate’s next-gen boats arrive in short order. Almost the ‘grand-dame’ of AC75s, Patriot ongoing role may well be to inspire future generations, perhaps ending her days housed in a maritime museum with a back-story worthy of a serial drama. But for now, she’s still got what it takes, and more, to cut it at the top table of the America’s Cup and that scalpel hull form looks oh so relevant and inspiring for the new AC75 designs that are sat on the super-computer desktops of the world’s greatest naval architects awaiting the green-light to build. “We’re just trying to make the most of the sailing we can get in while we're still in Patriot,” said an almost wistful Madison Molitar, a former U23 All American Men’s Eight rowing champion, and a key component of the hugely impressive cyclor unit on American Magic. Some boats mean more than just their components and Patriot, for sure, will be missed when the team’s AC40’s, the turbo charged rocket-ships, splash in short order.