Red Bull Youth America's Cup:
Press Release
America's Youth Sailing Force Tied for Lead
The Force Ties NZ's Full Metal for Lead in RBYAC
American Youth Sailors Staying Ahead after Two Days: Press
Release
San Francisco, September 2, 2013
The Force—Tied For First*
After two days of racing in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup the American Youth Sailing Force showed they have the skill and coolness under fire needed to win this regatta. Facing an aggressive fleet of international youth sailors, a strong showing in day-two pushed The Force into a tie for first place with New Zealand’s Full Metal Jacket team.
Race 1 opened up with a scripted start when The Force aimed at the committee boat end of the starting line and crossed right at the gun with good speed and a clear lane to sail in. At the first mark they rounded in first and never looked back. “It was really great to get a win in the first race. It felt really great for our team and an excellent start to the regatta,” according to skipper, Michael Menninger. “I think it’s going to be an important confidence builder for us in the coming days.”
Race 3 proved that a strong start coupled with consistent maneuvers is the key to placing well in these hard fought races. The Force took third place in that race and worked back from a significant deficit in Race 4 to place fifth.
Menninger relates: “We are really happy with our boat speed and the way we are sailing around the racecourse right now. So, we continue to have fun and sail hard.”
Overall, The Force has earned 28 points and has made it clear that you don’t need to win every race to win this regatta.
Racing continues Sept. 3 and 4 with two races each day. There’s plenty of racing to come. All of the international teams competing in the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Championship know consistency and placing near the top of the fleet will be enough.
*Due to redress, New Zealand is two points ahead.
Provisional overall ranking after four races:
NZL Sailing Team with Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL), Peter Burling : 2-4-7-3 28 points
American Youth Sailing Force (USA), Mike Menninger : 1-7-3-5 28 points
Team TILT (SUI), Lucien Cujean : 8-5-2-2 27 points
Swedish Youth Challenge (SWE), Charlie Eckberg : 6-2-9-1 26 points
Full Metal Jacket Racing (NZL), William Tiller : 7-1-4-6 26 points
ROFF/Cascais Sailing Team (POR), Bernardo Freitas : 3-6-1-8 26 points
Next World Energy (FRA), Arthur Ponroy : 4-3-8-4 25 points
All In Racing (GER), Philipp Buhl : 5-8-5-9 17 points
Objective Australia (AUS), Jason Waterhouse : RDG-10-6-10 9.3 points
USA45 Racing (USA), Charlie Buckingham : 9-9-10-7 9 points
-- From AYSF
Also:
Read ACEA RBYAC Day 2
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