Sailing into the future: Youth and female talent in the America's Cup
Photo: Ricardo Pinto, AMERICA'S CUP
Barcelona has made history in the America's Cup by hosting for the first time an exclusive competition for women. In addition, the city also hosted the third edition of the Youth America's Cup, the youth regatta that was held for the first time in 2013. The Unicredit Youth America's Cup ended last September 26th, after 9 days of intense racing, while the Puig Women's America's Cup is held the week before the America's Cup Grand Final.
Unicredit Youth America’s Cup
The final of the Unicredit Youth America's Cup had a clear winner. The Americans had a difficult start since they reached early the port end of the line and thus received a 75-meter penalty. In addition, they made several minor mistakes that increased their disadvantage against their opponent. The Italian team did not make any mistakes, demonstrating the strong leadership of Marco Gradoni. Thus, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli secured the victory with a commanding performance over their opponent, the Americans of NYYC American Magic.
Apart from the two finalists, among the other ten teams the Swedes and the Australians stood out. Swedish Challenge powered by Artemis Technologies won four out of the five races, an outstanding performance; and Andoo Team Australia demonstrated their talent by finishing second despite some mistakes.
Photo: Ricardo Pinto, AMERICA'S CUP
Puig Women’s America’s Cup.
Defying the gender barriers of previous editions of the America's Cup, the Puig Women's America's Cup is held. Sailing has traditionally been a male-dominated discipline. Therefore, the inclusion of a women's competition promotes equity in the sport and has the potential to inspire a new generation of female athletes. The Puig Women's America's Cup offers a valuable opportunity for female racers to compete in a high-level international event.
Throughout the 170-year history of the America’s Cup, women had also participated, integrated into the teams, although these were always composed of a majority of men. This competition offers an exclusive platform for female racers. Thus, it amplifies the visibility and leadership of women in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
Twelve teams participate in the competition from New Zealand, Great Britain, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, France, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Sweden, and Australia. The regattas feature notable athletes such as Hannah Mills (United Kingdom), Olympic medalist and one of the most awarded sailors in the world; and Marie Riou (France), winner of the Volvo Ocean Race and multiple world champion in the Nacra 17 class. Both make their first America’s Cup debut in this edition.
Taking into account that physical strength is a determining factor for maneuvering in navigation, the boats used are the AC40. These monohulls have been specifically designed to allow more equal conditions. Equipped with foiling technology, thus reducing water resistance, the competitors have to focus on their technical and tactical skills to achieve victory.
Photo: AMERICA'S CUP
New Generations
The Unicredit Youth America’s Cup is a competition that gives visibility to the youngest ones in the sport and creates a new generation of elite athletes. The final not only highlighted the talent of the teams but also underlined the importance of strategy in top-level sailing. The outstanding performance of the youth teams indicates that the future of sailing is promising, with young racers ready to make their mark.
Similarly, the Puig Women's America's Cup promises to be an exciting and transformative event that will amplify the visibility of female talent and has the potential to inspire new generations of athletes. This new competition represents a significant step towards equity in elite sailing. With it, a revolutionary chapter in the history of the America's Cup is opened, where female inclusion and talent will have a prominent place.
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