American Magics race boat Patriot might have been battered and broken when it capsized at speed during the Americas Cup challenger series in Auckland, but skipper Terry Hutchinson says its proud heart is still beating.
The United States team remains in a race against time to repair Patriot, to make it fighting fit in time to face Italys Luna Rossa in the semifinal of the Prada Cup series beginning Friday. Hutchinson is fully confident Patriot will be at the start line and as good as new after tireless efforts from American Magics shore team and help from Americas Cup defender Team New Zealand.
The Cup-holder made its boat-building team available to American Magic to fashion the panel needed to close a yawning hole near Patriots bow. The U.S. yacht came close to sinking after its high-speed capsize; as water filled Patriots hull its complex electronic systems effectively were destroyed and have had to be replaced.
Bit by bit, the American Magic shore team has restored the damaged…