NYYC American Magic PATRIOT Day 41 Summary

Such is the buzz around the New York Yacht Club American Magic syndicate, thoroughly deserved from outstanding training performances on the water in recent months, that it’s no surprise to see legends of the America’s Cup showing up to see just what’s going down in Pensacola. And on Tuesday the DeVos family, the backers of the syndicate, hosted two of the most famous names in the sport - Tom Whidden and Gary Jobson – onboard the chase boat. Whidden was an eight-time campaigner with the great Dennis Conner, three-time winner of the Cup (1980, 1987, 1988) as well as being an inductee of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame. Gary Jobson was tactician for Ted Turner in 1977 on the all-conquering Courageous campaign, alongside being one of the most accomplished broadcast commentators on the Cup and an inductee of the America’s Cup Hall of Fame also. They came to see what the buzz was all about but unfortunately, today, the Pensacola wind Gods simply weren’t playing ball. The team called it a day after an hour and a quarter and came back ashore. Michael Menninger, the legendary Etchells World Champion, is an interviewee that the recon team has been wanting to speak with for some time. As the ace Flight Controller on Patriot, Michael’s insight into maintaining flight is invaluable and talking specifically about his role he offered: “It depends on the sea state and on the variability of the breeze, (flight) depends on a lot of things but as a flight controller you’re trying to be as consistent and smooth as possible just to avoid using as much of the flaps and the elevators as possible.” 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