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American Magic

NZ marine industry helps Americans find more Magic

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American Magic are expected to be back out on the water tomorrow and it's taken a massive effort from all of the teams and the wider New Zealand maritime community to make it happen.

The American syndicate badly damaged their boat during a spectacular capsize when racing Luna Rossa in the Prada Cup 10 days ago.

Drastic action needed to be taken to save Patriot from sinking and the marine community has rallied around American Magic to help them get back on the water in time for this weekend's Prada Cup semifinals against Luna Rossa.

Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling was on hand soon after the capsize to lend a hand and said it was only natural to help out a fellow competitor.

"We are really hoping they will be [back soon] and 100 percent," Burling said this morning when he and Blair Tuke were awarded the Lonsdale Cup by the New Zealand Olympic Committee. "We’re pretty sure they will be back on the water tomorrow or the day after but it’s something no one likes to see happen.

"You saw all the teams get involved to help them get back out there. It’s a pretty cool part of our sport to come together and help people out."

Emirates Team New Zealand were in a similar position in Bermuda four years ago when they suffered extensive damage to their boat after a spectacular capsize in the second race of their challenger series semifinal against Land Rover BAR. They received the support of some other teams to get their boat back on the water within 24 hours and went on to win the America's Cup.

Patriot had a massive hole in its hull and also needed a total electrical rebuild. Team New Zealand's boat builders helped with the repairs, which was possible given the fact they were winding down a portion of their programme as they prepare for their defence of the America's Cup and had people available.

American Magic skipper and chief executive Terry Hutchinson said the support from Team New Zealand and the wider maritime community was "an element of sportsmanship that is the highest level".

It's a view shared by Yachting New Zealand chief executive David Abercrombie.

"It's great to see, particularly in this time of difficulty around the world, people coming together to help out others," Abercrombie said. "It's a great show of sportsmanship and camaraderie."

American Magic and Luna Rossa will meet in a best-of-seven series starting on Friday, with the winner taking on Ineos Team UK in the Prada Cup final in mid-February. The winner will then race Emirates Team New Zealand for the America's Cup.

  • Photo: American Magic