The night, more than advice, this time brought more questions to the American Magic base, where a frantic countdown began to put the AC75 back into the water that it 'capsized' in the first Round Robin of the Prada Cup, while challenging Red Moon.
The main question concerns the electronics, not the hydraulics, because Patriot has suffered extensive damage internally and externally: the repairs of the carbon panels will be prepared thanks to the contribution of the shore team and boat builders on site.
But this is not the point: the delicate system that controls the foils - the 'wings' - and all the electronics on board must be replaced.
The hydraulics, on the other hand, would have reported minor damage.
"Rebuilding the boat is the easiest thing - explained skipper Terry Hutchinson at a press conference, who thanked the local police authorities (and not only), but also the opponents themselves for their contribution in rescuing and recovering the boat. boat, sadly resting on a side not far from the Gulf of Hauraki, in Aukland (New Zealand) -. At this point, however, the most difficult thing is to fix the electronics. And time is running out ".
In fact, the stars and stripes crew will not be able to show up at the starting line of the second Roud Robin, which was supposed to open on the night between Thursday 21 and Friday 22 with the match race between Ineos UK and American Magic.
Instead, it will go directly to the regatta between Luna Rossa and Ineos UK which, for the British, currently leading the Prada Cup qualifying standings with 4 points, can be worth access to the final.
If they win, in fact, they would go to 5 points, becoming unattainable, while the team of the two Bertelli-Sirena - which competes with the banner of the Circolo della Vela Sicilia in Palermo - should begin to focus on the semifinals against American Magic, expected again in sea.
"We will return directly to play the semi-finals of the selection among the challengers," said Hutchinson.
It is the most immediate consequence of the accident, just as American Magic was leading the regatta on Luna Rossa with a reassuring advantage.
American Magic had lost the first three races, but was on the verge of winning her first win when she overturned as she passed the last gate.
"Patriot was accelerating while we were looking for the new route and we were at about 47 knots (almost 100 km / h) - explained Hutchinson -. When the boat crashes on the keel, the consequences are not serious, but on this occasion we we are resting on the flat panel between the elements of the structure.
Maybe we are dealing with 'Gremlins' who live with us inside the boat ... ".
Returning to the calendar, the races scheduled for Friday 22 on Saturday 23 will be skipped, as American Magic should have been in the water (against Luna Rossa first and Ineos UK to follow), while Saturday 23 on Sunday 24, on the third day, Ineos UK will see new against Luna Rossa.
But, at that point, the challenge could be a formality.
