American Magic Eliminated from Louis Vuitton Cup Race Series
The 2024 Louis Vuitton Cup, the selection series for challengers in the America's Cup, saw the elimination of the American Magic team in the semifinals held in Barcelona last week. The Americans, led by star helmsman Tom Slingsby, fought hard throughout the series but ultimately lost to Italy's Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in a dramatic best-of-nine contest that ended 5-3.
The competition was fierce, with American Magic initially showing promise. They won several critical races, including a victory that came after Luna Rossa experienced mechanical issues with their mainsail traveler track. However, despite moments of brilliance, American Magic struggled with consistency, particularly in handling the complex AC75 foiling monohull in the variable wind conditions that characterized the Barcelona racecourse.
A Matter of Details
One of the turning points for the American team came during a closely contested race when Luna Rossa managed to capitalize on a tactical mistake made by American Magic. After a strong start by Slingsby, American Magic gained a slight lead, but a poorly executed tack allowed the Italians to sail through and take control. From that point forward, Luna Rossa extended their lead with cleaner maneuvers and better wind selection, ultimately winning the decisive race by a 61-second margin.
Another key factor was the resilience of the Italian team. After suffering mechanical setbacks and a tough race loss, Luna Rossa's shore team worked through the night to repair the boat. Their efforts were rewarded with a strong comeback the next day, showcasing not only superior boat handling but also remarkable teamwork. Luna Rossa's ability to bounce back from adversity underscored their strength and determination, which the American team could not match in the final races.
In the aftermath, Slingsby expressed the emotional toll of the loss, recognizing the immense effort put in by the entire American Magic team over the two years leading up to the event. Despite the defeat, there was a sense of pride in the team’s fight and acknowledgment of Luna Rossa’s superior performance.
Ultimately, the elimination of American Magic reflected both the technical challenges of racing in such advanced vessels and the need for flawless execution, which the Italians managed to deliver when it counted most. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli advanced to the Louis Vuitton Cup final.