Photo Credit: COR36/ Studio Borlenghi

TEAM STATEMENT ON CAPSIZE INCIDENT

New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. Challenger for the America’s Cup, capsized in a strong gust of wind while leading around the final mark during a Prada Cup race shortly before 6:00 PM NZDT on Sunday, January 17 (January 16 U.S. time). All team members onboard were quickly accounted for by the team’s on-the-water safety personnel and declared safe. 

The team’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, was damaged during the incident and began taking on water. American Magic received rapid assistance from the three other America’s Cup teams, along with America’s Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, Coastguard New Zealand, the Auckland Harbormaster, and local fire and police personnel.

UPDATE - 10:00 PM NZDT
Auckland, New Zealand - American Magic’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, has been stabilized and is in the process of being towed slowly back to shore. We’d like to again express our sincere thanks to our competitors, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK, and Emirates Team New Zealand, for immediately coming to our assistance. An ETNZ chase boat is currently assisting the team with the tow operation, and our fellow Challengers helped with equipment, personnel, and general support on the water.

We are also grateful to America’s Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, Coastguard New Zealand, the Auckland Harbormaster, local fire and police personnel and all others who have and still are helping us during this difficult moment for our team. 

Efforts to stabilize PATRIOT and get the yacht back to shore are currently underway. American Magic is sincerely thankful for all of the assistance rendered to the team following today’s incident. 

23:20 NZT - UPDATE FROM NEW YORK YACH CLUB AMERICAN MAGIC

American Magic’s AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, after being stabilised, has been towed slowly back to shore and she is now safely back at the base.