In a dramatic and hard-fought race, Alinghi Red Bull Racing (Swiss) emerged victorious over NYYC American Magic (USA), showcasing their tactical brilliance. The race, fraught with penalties and mishaps, highlighted the Swiss team’s ability to capitalise on their competitors’ errors, ultimately securing a decisive win.
Early Missteps and Swiss Advantage
From the outset, the race was marred by complications for both teams. Alinghi Red Bull Racing, despite a dramatic bellyflop that briefly lifted their boat out of the water, managed to recover swiftly and get back on their foils. Meanwhile, NYYC American Magic faced an early penalty, granting the Swiss team a 75-metre lead right from the start. The USA’s penalty compounded their troubles, putting them on the back foot before the race had even fully begun.
As the race progressed, Alinghi Red Bull Racing leveraged its early advantage. They gradually increased their early 100-metre lead through the first leg. By the time they rounded the first gate at 3:11, they were 10 seconds ahead of the USA. The Swiss team’s steady performance allowed them to keep a commanding lead, which they continued to build upon.
Swiss Dominance in Legs 2 and 3
Entering the second leg, Alinghi Red Bull Racing had expanded their lead to 150 metres. They rounded the second gate at 5 minutes, 54 seconds, still holding a 150-metre advantage over the USA, who followed 14 seconds later. The Swiss team’s consistency was evident as they continued to maintain their lead, which fluctuated between 150 and 180 metres.
By the third leg, the Swiss team was showing no signs of slowing down. They rounded the third gate at 10 minutes, 13 seconds, 23 seconds ahead of the USA team. Both teams were sailing at impressive speeds of around 30 knots, but the Swiss maintained a slight edge, keeping their lead steady at 150 metres. Despite intense pressure from the USA, the Swiss team continued to accelerate, demonstrating their superior speed and strategy.
USA’s Struggles and Swiss’s Growing Lead
Leg 4 proved challenging for NYYC American Magic. They suffered a significant touchdown, that cost them 200 metres as they struggled to get back onto their foils. This error exacerbated their difficulties, with the Swiss team now enjoying a 550-metre lead. By the time Alinghi entered the fourth gate at 13 minutes, 24 seconds, American Magic trailed 42 seconds behind.
As the race entered the final leg, the Swiss lead had grown to an impressive 750 metres. The Swiss team navigated through the final gate at 17 minutes, 45 seconds, with the USA passing the gate one minute later. The sheer distance between the two boats underscored the Swiss team’s dominance throughout the race.
A Critical Win for the Swiss
Alinghi Red Bull Racing finished the race in 21 minutes, 35 seconds, with the USA trailing 38 seconds behind. This victory marked a significant achievement for the Swiss team, securing a crucial point in their campaign. For NYYC American Magic, the race was a disappointing performance, especially given their status as pre-race favourites. The errors and penalties they incurred were costly, ultimately proving too much to overcome.
This result of the Alinghi vs American Magic race was particularly concerning for the French team, who are now at risk of falling to the bottom of the standings if they do not secure a win in the remaining races. And that means bye-bye for the French. In contrast, in this race, the Swiss team’s performance, highlighted their strength and tactical superiority, reinforcing their position as a contender in the competition.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing’s victory over NYYC American Magic was a testament of good racing and the ability to stay on foils when it mattered the most. The Swiss team’s ability to capitalise on their opponent’s mistakes and maintain a consistent lead throughout the race was pivotal to their success, while the USA’s missteps revealed vulnerabilities that need addressing.
