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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (December 1, 2023) – The second day of the America’s Cup Preliminary Regatta Jeddah was much improved, stepping up from the minimum wind limit racing of yesterday to a 12-16 knot north westerly that saw the AC40s easily ripping along for three more races.
High speed crossings is the theme for six boat fleet races, and it was the Kiwis and Italians that dominated the day. However, after the Americans laid a massive egg on the opener, they were the third best team today.
“I felt like we got better as the day went on, we picked up a few things moding wise from the other teams and tried to sail a little bit faster on the whole and I think the last couple of races we had pretty good pace and were passing other boats upwind,” noted Michael Menninger from NYYC American Magic.
“Downwind we still think we can get a little bit better and improve but it feels like Luna Rossa and the Kiwis are going just a touch faster so trying to wrap our heads around that. All in all, a much better day than yesterday.”
It was France’s turn to follow the fleet as they were last in each of the races. But unlike the unforced errors by the USA on day one, the French were dogged by hydraulic issues which had them fighting against the boat instead of the opposing teams.
Two more fleet races will be held tomorrow, with the final standings to determine the top two teams to qualify for the winner-take-all final Match Race to decide the ultimate winner of the event.
Day Two Results:
1. Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL): 1-1-5-2-1-1, 49 points
2. Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA): 3-4-1-1-2-4, 38
3. Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI): 4-2-3-5-3-3, 27
4. INEOS Britannia (GBR): 2-3-4-4-5-5, 22
5. NYYC American Magic (USA): DSQ-6-DNS-3-4-2, 16
6. Orient Express Racing Team (FRA): 5-5-2-6-6-6, 14
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