WELLINGTON, New Zealand: U.S. challenger American Magic returned its racing yacht Patriot to the water Wednesday just 10 days after a dramatic capsize threatened to ends its involvement in the Americas Cup in New Zealand.
Patriot was slowly lowered into the water at the team’s Auckland base and was expected to sail later in the day to begin systems checks the first step to a full return to racing.
On its relaunch, Patriot had a new emblem over the area of the bow which had been holed crossed band aids bearing the Italian, British and New Zealand flags and the message: thankyou.”
The 75-foot yacht has to pass inspection by the Cup measurement committee late Wednesday in order to race against Italian challenger Luna Rossa in the best-of-seven race challenger series semifinals which begin Friday.
The winner of the series will progress to the Prada Cup final where it will meet Britians INEOS Team UK. The loser will be out of the regatta.
American Magics shore team, assisted by boat…
