SEMI-FINAL DAY 2: CHANGING GEAR
To come out of the shed and into the same boisterous conditions that had led to their accident was a brutal test for American Magic.
But they and Luna Rossa completed the opening day of the PRADA Cup Semi-final, a nerve wracking session of racing for both. Today looks set to present a challenge at the other end of the weather scale.
For the Italians, yesterday was a resounding success, two wins from two races. Two more and they will take another important step towards their ultimate goal, the America’s Cup.
But the two victories had meant more than just two points. Their surefooted performance in the breeze had marked a significant improvement in their overall game, extending their impressive speed and balance over an even wider range of conditions. But has this been at the expense of their slippery light airs performance?
In last night’s post race press conference Francesco Bruni said not, stressing that they had found areas of improvement that complemented their existing performance profile.
Before Christmas American Magic had been quick in the light too, Patriot’s dark blue gloss finish hull looking like it has as much friction as a bar of soap. But when they returned to racing for the Round Robin phase of the PRADA Cup, something seemed to have changed as they struggled to find their former pace.
The rebuilding of PATRIOT may have given the team chance to consider the overall performance curve and while yesterday confirmed that the boat is sound, now it is time to work on refining her speed.
Today’s weather forecast suggests a change of gear in the weather with a light breeze at the other end of the scale, NE 7-10kts. Will this be the day that the American’s rediscover their former pace or will we see how slick Luna Rossa still are in their favoured conditions?
All we know at this stage is that it will be another tricky day and one in which American Magic must put a point on the board to stay in the game.