Youth Sailing Team Storms Into Finals of UniCredit Youth America’s Cup
American Magic Youth sailing team will race against Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli in a one-race face off for bragging rights as UniCredit Youth America’s Cup champions. The British team last held the Youth title when they won it in Bermuda in 2017. Ineos Team Britannia finished third in the Barcelona semifinals and will not race in this year’s Final event.
American Magic helmsman Harry Melges IV was “over the moon with excitement” at securing a spot in the Finals.
“The team and I have been focused on this moment for over a year. I have dreamed about it since I was a kid. The team is “super excited” to pair up against pre-race favorite Luna Rossa. “We are confident in our team. Lots of simulator time and time on the water. My job is to drive the boat plus strategy and tactics. Things come at you so fast that quick decision making is the key.”
The Italian boat is helmed by 20-year-old sailing superstar Marco Gradoni. The young Italian is a battle-hardened AC40 helmsman known for his calm demeanor and boat driving skills. He credits the mentorship of the Luna Rossa Cup team’s Jimmy Spithill for helping the Youth team accelerate the learning curve. “We have access to some of the best sailors in the world. Jimmy and Francesco (Bruni) have been a great help in refining our foiling techniques.”
To reach the Finals in the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup the teams had to run the gauntlet of competing first with four other America’s Cup Youth teams and then sail against one of those teams plus three Youth teams from “invited” teams in a six-boat, four race semi-final sailed September 24th.
The Finals will amount to a match race between two of the most talented young teams appearing in the Cup. In the semi-finals, both the American and Italian entry won one race each and racked up enough points to advance to the Finals.
The Youth Final race will be run between the first and second race of the Louis Vuitton Finals. on Thursday September 26 starting at 8 a.m. Eastern time. You can catch all the action of ESPN+. The PUIG Women’s America’s Cup starts on October 5 and continues through Oct 13. Check Americas cup.com for additional viewing opportunities.
By Craig Ligibel
