At top speed, the boats’ hulls rise out of the water and slice through the waves on hydrofoils.
America’s Cup racing excitement returned to New York for the first time since 1920 on May 7–8, as six superfast sailboats literally flew across the lower Hudson River off Battery Park City in a series of races, wowing droves of spectators at the North Cove Marina and along the Battery Park Esplanade.
Unfortunately, wind conditions were too light on the first day, and the boats — which feature a special high-tech mainsail that is more akin to an airplane wing — barely moved. But Sunday was very gusty, and the boats were literally levitating. Once the vessels really get going, they rise up off their two catamaran hulls and slice through the water on only three small hydrofoils, with just a few fin points in the water.
Team USA didn’t win the race, but did provide a winning moment of drama by nearly capsizing in a gust of wind.
At one point on Sunday, the crowd gasped as a boat for a moment was zooming along while teetering on just one hydrofoil. The announcer had warned over the P.A. system that they might well see some capsizing in the Hudson’s unpredictable and strong winds.
Although the U.S. is the reigning America’s Cup champion, New Zealand won last weekend’s competition, earning points toward next year’s final America’s Cup competition — plus some Louis Vuitton bags. The luxury-goods giant is sponsoring the racing series. Each boat also has its own corporate sponsor — America’s is Oracle, England is Land Rover, New Zealand is Emirates. Japan, Sweden and France rounded out the field.
Although the Kiwis won the luggage this time, the teams will face off for the ultimate prize — the coveted cup — in Bermuda next May and June.
From 1870 through 1920, America’s Cup racing took place in New York. In 1930, the competition moved to Newport, Rhode Island, where it remained until the U.S. finally lost the cup in 1983.
— Lincoln Anderson
Team Kiwi shows off the snazzy luggage they won.
