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The Resurrection of American Magic

A dramatic crash left a hole in the hull of a high-tech America’s Cup yacht. A round-the-clock repair effort has brought the boat back from the dead.

By Serena Solomon

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — The oblong object, 75 feet long with a pointed nose, looks more like a downed spacecraft than a sleek racing yacht.

Hoisted in the air and surrounded by scaffolding, the object’s two appendages stick out and run down its sides like the long, slender legs of a praying mantis. But this is not a spaceship, or even an oversize insect: It is Patriot, the yacht of a team, American Magic , that hopes to reclaim the America’s Cup , sailing’s most prestigious trophy, for the United States.

And Patriot has a big problem.

On Jan. 17, while American Magic was leading a race against an Italian challenger in the Prada Cup, the series that determines who will challenge Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup in March, Patriot capsized in dramatic fashion — effectively pulling a wheelie as it rode out of the water and then rolling over on its left side.

The accident tore a hole in Patriot’s hull, sent crew members scrambling to cut teammates out of their safety harnesses and left its entire syndicate preparing to watch the multimillion-dollar boat sink into the waters of New Zealand’s Hauraki Gulf.

Instead, a crash that could have been deadly — American Magic’s skipper and executive director, Terry Hutchinson, and several crew members were briefly trapped under the fallen sail as the boat filled with water — was merely catastrophic, at least in the racing sense.

Less than a week later, on a quiet Sunday morning, three boatbuilders sanded over a giant patch that now covers the hole in Patriot’s hull. Another, with an arm full of cables, walked up the scaffolding stairs to continue the rebuilding of a sophisticated electrical system that seems more suited to a Formula One car than a sailboat.

By then, American Magic was only partway through its extensive repairs, part of a frantic effort to save Patriot, and its team’s hopes of victory, even as the competition continued without the U.S. boat. Other teams offered expertise and sent pizza. Fans topped up the team’s coffee tab at a local cafe. And about 70 boatbuilders, engineers and mechatronics technicians on the team worked in shifts to complete the work.

The repairs could easily have taken weeks without a deadline, Hutchinson said. Instead, they were completed in 11 days. On Wednesday, Patriot’s sleek hull slipped back into the water for the first time. On Friday, it was racing again.

After forfeiting four round-robin series races, the American Magic team entered this weekend’s Prada Cup semifinals against Italy’s Luna Rossa as a major underdog, and promptly lost the first two races . The first to collect four wins will face a British entry, Ineos Team UK, for the right to race the Kiwis, who claimed the America’s Cup in Bermuda four years ago.

“We can’t be broken, and so as long as we stay committed to that, which we will, then this is a clear demonstration of that and the sky is the limit,” Hutchinson said of the round-the-clock effort to bring Patriot back from the dead.

Patriot’s capsize came in the final race of the day, as American Magic led Luna Rossa out of the final turn. The wind speed suddenly increased and shifted direction, sending Patriot airborne at about 45 knots, more than 50 miles per hour.

The boat crashed down on its left side, gashing the hull. None of the 11 crew members were injured, but the damage — discovered after a chase boat scooped a piece of Patriot’s carbon hull out of the water — was substantial.

“It was a very extreme circumstance that no one can ever really be prepared for, that big a hole in the boat,” said Casey Smith, who oversees Patriot’s hydraulic system.

Flotation devices were used to keep the boat from sinking as it filled with water. Plans were discussed, revised, discarded. Nothing worked, Smith said, until a police officer “came out of nowhere” with a 40-foot-long rectangle raft that the crew wrapped around Patriot’s hull and inflated.

“That was the first time I thought, ‘OK, we’re actually going to save this thing,’” Smith said.

To understand the job that lay ahead for American Magic once it was saved, it helps to first understand the boat. The class of boats that race in the America’s Cup, AC75, is a new model that each entry was required to build and race in this year’s competition. The boats don’t just sail, they fly — provided they can reach speeds over 15 knots. Once a yacht’s hull rises out of the water, all that touches the surface are the boat’s two hydrofoils — those mechanical, praying mantis-like legs — and an equally thin rudder.

Even the terminology used around the boats has changed, to phrases more commonly associated with flying. “The pitch, nose up, nose down — they use exactly the same terminology in sailing now,” said Mark Orams, a professor of sport and recreation at the Auckland University of Technology. There is also now a crew position called a flight controller, responsible for stabilizing the boat while it is out of the water.

“You can go really, really fast,” Orams said of the new generation of racing yachts, “but you are going to be at a high risk of crashing.”

While an AC75 won’t go anywhere unless there is wind, all of its instruments and functions, like moving the hydrofoils in and out of the water, need power. Hydraulic power that moves or trims the sails comes from about eight crew members called grinders, who furiously pump hand-turned levers during the race. A lithium battery powers everything else.

That power system, along with other major controls, was destroyed by saltwater when Patriot capsized. The team had spares for all of the major components, and it harvested pieces from Defiance, the prototype for Patriot, to make some repairs. The team had to improvise with many yards of connecting cables, said Sean Healey, who worked on Patriot’s electronic rebuild.

Any changes to the boat, including different cables or the patch for the hole, put Patriot in danger of going over the competition’s strict weight rules. To race, the boat must be within 33 pounds of 14,374 pounds, according to Silvio Arrivabene, the team’s design production manager.

Another hurdle facing American Magic was undiscovered bugs in Patriot’s newly rebuilt electronic systems. The tight repair schedule left only a 36-hour buffer for delays, testing, identifying and fixing bugs, and one or two practice rounds. On Wednesday, an issue with a tripping battery that briefly cut power to the boat was resolved out on the water during the boat’s first post-capsize sail. “Unfortunately, we’d like weeks to shake all these problems out,” Healey said. “We just don’t have weeks.”

Still, less than two weeks after capsizing and about 48 hours before the first Prada Cup race against Italy, Patriot headed back into the water. “We were holding our breath for the first five minutes,” Arrivabene said of that morning’s weigh-in, “but she is good.”

On its return, its patch was decorated with a message of gratitude to American Magic’s competitors: bandage-shaped graphics bearing their flags and the words “Thank you.”

All three of the other teams had come to the aid of a sinking Patriot — a break from the famously bitter and litigious culture of the America’s Cup, and Team New Zealand released some of its boat builders to create the replacement hull section at one of its local facilities.

Out on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, Patriot got a tow for a running start to get the boat up on its hydrofoils, standard for a low-wind practice day. Soon, the rope fell away and Patriot was flying on its own. The yacht teetered in the air on one foil, then both, and then the other as it wove through the water, hitting over 30 knots.

“She picked up right where she left off — going fast,” Hutchinson said.

$8.5M grant, American Magic facility may make Pensacola 'top sailing destination in the U.S.'

The New York Yacht Club American Magic sail racing team could be calling the Port of Pensacola its new home base after Pensacola won approval for an $8.5 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant Thursday.

The Triumph Gulf Coast board voted 6-0 on Thursday to give initial approval to Pensacola's grant for $8.5 million to build a Center for Maritime Excellence at the Port of Pensacola.

The board also approved an $11.2 million grant for a Bay County airport project but held off on voting on a $7 million grant request from the University of West Florida.

Triumph Gulf Coast and Pensacola will now negotiate on the final terms of the grant, including potential clawbacks, before Triumph gives its final approval for the funds.

What are American Magic and the America's Cup?

American Magic is the U.S. team in the America's Cup sailing race sponsored by the New York Yacht Club.

The sailing community considers America's Cup the most elite sailing race in the world, where the sailboats are more akin to modern aircraft using the latest technology to try to gain an edge in the fierce competition. The rules of the race are set by the previous winner.

American Magic began training in Pensacola in 2018 ahead of the 36th America's Cup and returned to Pensacola last year, looking to make the city and Pensacola Bay a permanent training base.

Lining up the grant: Pensacola seeking $15M for American Magic America's Cup team and 150 new high-wage jobs

American Magic is back: New York Yacht Club American Magic returns to Pensacola Bay with hopes of a permanent base

The team is set to compete in the 37th America's Cup next year in Barcelona, Spain, and will begin training there in June.

Last year the team was sailing in Pensacola Bay in the AC75 sailboat "Patriot," which competed in the 36th America's Cup.

Earlier this year, the team began training in the smaller AC40 sailboat "America," which will be used for training and the racing boat for the first-ever Youth and Women's America's Cup events next year. Both types of boats are carbon-fiber hydro-foiling sailboats that can reach speeds up to four times faster than the wind speed.

"If we win, which we will, then (American Magic) gets to decide where the next race will be," Triumph Gulf Coast board Vice Chairman Collier Merrill said. "We have our fingers crossed it might be close by. We don't know."

What is Triumph Gulf Coast?

Triumph Gulf Coast is a nonprofit created by Florida to distribute $1.5 billion in BP oil spill settlement funds to economic development projects in the eight Northwest Florida counties adversely impacted by the 2010 disaster.

Triumph Gulf Coast is made up of a seven-person board appointed by various senior state officials. The governor appoints one member of the board, the attorney general appoints one member, the chief financial officer appoints one member, the senate president appoints two members, and the house speaker appoints two members.

What are American Magic's plans in Pensacola?

American Magic plans to make the new Center for Maritime Excellence its team headquarters when it returns from the 37th America's Cup. While no official announcements have been made yet, the team hopes to prepare for the 38th America's Cup in Pensacola, including using the facility to manufacture its own training and competition boats.

American Magic will relocate its headquarters from Rhode Island to Pensacola and bring 170 jobs to the Port of Pensacola.

Triumph Gulf Coast's economic analysis of the project rated it an "A" for an impact on the local economy estimated at $285 million.

The project is the most expensive Triumph Gulf Coast has supported in terms of dollars per new job at $50,000, but it is also the highest average wage of any Triumph project, with the 170 jobs carrying an average salary of $105,000, according to an economic analysis of the project by Triumph Gulf Coast economist Dr. Rick Harper.

"This is an amazing-looking project," Triumph Gulf Coast board member Reynolds Henderson said. "Honestly, you look at that 170 jobs at $105,000 a year. That's pretty awesome. So it's exciting."

How much will the Center for Maritime Excellence cost?

Pensacola is expecting construction of the project to be about $15 million. On top of the Triumph Gulf Coast $8.5 million grant, the city is also seeking a $3.9 million grant from the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity. According to the city's Triumph application, the city is also seeking $1.5 million from the Florida Seaport Transportation and Economic Development Council.

The project will finish the construction of Warehouse 10 to serve as the new Center for Maritime Excellence. The warehouse is an unfinished building damaged in Hurricane Sally but still structurally sound. Using an existing building significantly cuts down on the cost of the project.

The city estimates the current value of the building in its unfinished state is about $3.2 million. Combined with another $1.5 million in support from the Escambia County Tourism Development Council, the equipment, and other investments American Magic will bring to the project, the total capital investment in the building will be $45.2 million.

Pairing down the request: Pensacola is retooling a $53M Triumph port expansion request. Here's what's changing:

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves said he was elated that Triumph Gulf Coast approved the project on Thursday.

"With this ask, we certainly wanted to bring a project forward that the Triumph board believed in, that met its mission of catalytic economic impact for these affected communities," Reeves said.

Early in his administration, Reeves pulled back the city's $53 million Triumph request for the Port, which included the American Magic project among several port projects, in order to apply for each one individually.

"The modification of this grant request by the city was to get the Center for Maritime Excellence over the finish line and to start to plant the flag for the city of Pensacola as the top sailing destination in the United States," Reeves said.

University of West Florida's nursing school expansion Triumph Grant delayed

Triumph Gulf Coast also approved a $11.2 million project for Bay County to aid in the construction of an aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul project at the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport that is expected to bring 250 jobs.

However, the board delayed a vote on the University of West Florida's $7 million grant request to expand the university's nursing program when no one from the university showed up to the Thursday meeting in DeFuniak Springs.

Several board members had questions about the estimates for the renovation and staff member costs and the board agreed to delay the vote until the next meeting.

"I think it's important that if people are interested in applying for our grants, then it's important enough for you to be here to defend it," Triumph Gulf Coast board Chairman David Bear said.

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American Magic, led by Terry Hutchinson, secured a remarkable victory in the first Preliminary Regatta of the 2024 America’s Cup.

The team delivered a polished performance, clinching two race wins and a second-place finish, narrowly leading Emirates Team New Zealand by just one point as they headed into the final race.

In a surprising turn of events, the American team challenged the reigning America’s Cup champions. Despite moments of brilliant sailing by the Kiwis, they faced unexpected pressure during critical moments of the regatta, all while racing in AC40 One Designs.

On the concluding day of the first Preliminary Regatta of the 2024 America’s Cup, following two races, the eventual finalists found themselves separated by a mere two points. The outcome of the third race seemed almost a formality.

Emirates Team New Zealand, holding the overnight points lead, made a strong comeback following their disappointing performance in Race 2 on Saturday. They led the way in Race 3 on Sunday from start to finish, with both boats consistently hitting speeds exceeding 30 knots in an 8-knot breeze. The Kiwis secured victory in the race by a 40-second margin, covering the six-leg course in just under 22 minutes, while American Magic (USA) claimed second place and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli (ITA) took third.”

• American Magic

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American Magic seeks to regain its sea legs in America’s Cup preliminary regatta

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The shock of being the first team eliminated from the last America’s Cup has been motivating for the New York Yacht Club’s American Magic.

American Magic was the second challenger to begin training in Barcelona for the 37th America’s Cup; bought two AC40s, the half-size version of the foiling monohulls that will compete next fall for sailing’s biggest prize; and hired helmsman Tom Slingsby, an Australian who is one of the world’s most competitive and decorated sailors.

The American-flagged crew will find out how it compares to two-time defending champion Emirates Team New Zealand and four other challengers when the first of three preliminary regattas is sailed this weekend in Vilanova i La Geltrú, Spain, a short distance down the coast from Barcelona. Practice racing is set for Thursday, and a total of eight fleet races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday will determine the top two teams that will meet in the match-race final.

American Magic’s exit from the 36th America’s Cup in 2021 was hastened when its yacht, Patriot, capsized and nearly sank during a race against Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team in the challenger round-robins. The team left New Zealand without having won a race, a deflating result for the New York Yacht Club, which once enjoyed a 132-year winning streak in the competition for the oldest trophy in international sports.

“I think there’s a lot of lessons learned. We worked hard to address those lessons,” Terry Hutchinson, American Magic’s president of sailing operations/skipper, said recently. “Our racing skills were not what they needed to be, so we purchased two AC40s. First and foremost we need to improve our racing skills and we identified that as a weakness. That’s a good step forward.”

American Magic has been two-boat testing since July 1. “The learning curve is completely vertical,” Hutchinson said. “Things that we thought we knew with one boat, we completely dismissed once we got two boats next to each other. That’s a massive win.”

The AC40s are sailed with a crew of just four, including two helmsmen and two trimmers.

The three challengers from 2021 are back: American Magic, INEOS Britannia and Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team, which lost to Emirates Team New Zealand in the match. Switzerland’s Alinghi returns after a decade-long absence, this time as Alinghi Red Bull Racing, with the backing of Formula One powerhouse Red Bull Racing. France Orient Express Racing Team will make its debut.

“It has been a very busy couple of months for the team here in Barcelona, but when you stop to think about the milestone of finally getting racing again, it’s a pretty significant occasion.” Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling said.

Australian Nathan Outteridge, who has extensive America’s Cup experience as well as Olympic gold and silver medals, makes his competitive debut as a helmsman with the Kiwis.

“Looking across the fleet, I think it has to be the strongest lineup of sailors we have seen in a very long time,” Burling said. “We get such limited time to race one another, making every race critical for development of the sailing team. And the effort every team has been putting in to be ready for this event has shown that.”

Alinghi also has been training in two AC40s.

“Like every time we compete, the goal is to win,” trimmer Bryan Mettraux said. “But for the first regatta of this America’s Cup cycle, the objective is also to gain experience. My personal goal is to be comfortable putting my head out of the boat as much as possible and being good at communicating. This is what will make the difference.”

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American Magic

The New York YC’s latest effort to regain the trophy they lost in 1983 has all the essential components in place to challenge Emirates Team New Zeland. With experience, talent and resources, there is no excuse to lose.

Representing:  New York YC

Principles:  John Fauth, Doug Devos, Roger Penske

Base:  Portsmouth, R.I./Pensacola, Fla.

Helmsman:  Dean Barker

Yacht name:  Patriot

Leading from behind the scenes of the New York YC’s American Magic Challenge are principles John “Hap” Fauth and Doug Devos, each of whom have long campaigned their own grand-prix race boats under the burgee of the club with facilities in Manhattan and Newport, Rhode Island. These are traditional yachtsmen keen to see the  America’s Cup  return to the United States where it was defended for 132 years before a more clever Australian syndicate came north and stopped sport’s longest-running winning streak in 1983.

Fauth and DeVos, however, also enlisted the expertise of fellow club member, Roger Penske, of automotive fame, who brings his vision and resources required to manage a sporting and technical juggernaut of nearly 150 personnel—designers, builders, engineers, sailors and shore team members. 

The New York YC has sat on the sidelines of the Cup since 2002 and in the early days of the campaign they enlisted New Zealander Dean Barker to steer its yacht into the Prada Cup. Barker has competed in the Cup for two decades, and that experience is what makes him truly unique—and desirable. 

It was Barker who famously let the Cup slip away as the skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand when they lost to Oracle Team USA in San Francisco in 2013. He has also yet to win one, but that’s ancient history says American Magic CEO and skipper Terry Hutchinson. The Cup is a rarified competition that requires a rarified talent on the helm. American Olympic sailor Andrew Cambpell has assumed flight control duties, and in the critical sail-trim role is the supremely talented British foiling sailor Paul Goodison. 

Originally based in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, American Magic was first to launch a scaled-down AC75-like test boat in the fall of 2018, which was soon followed by the launch of their American-built AC75-defiant, a nearly scow-like design that hinted where this latest generation of hull designs were headed. Soon after launching, they were tapping the top-end of the speed zone, pushing 40-knots into the unknown and foiling through maneuvers.

Under the limitations of COVID-19, and with pre-events cancelled in Italy and England, they doubled down on  Patriot , their second AC75, in Rhode Island and flew it, by Antonov, to Auckland, in October 2019. First to the water with their new boat and right on schedule, they will continue to refine their second-generation boat, different enough from the first to take some getting used to. In the days leading into the Cup, they will quietly go about their business with a singular focus on the real racing that begins in January 2021. It’s the start of a long series that Executive Director and Skipper Terry Hutchinson has no doubt mapped out methodically. As the elder of all the sailors on the racecourse, the only thing he wants is a win.   

Should they be successful in Auckland, New York YC officials say they will host the next regatta in Newport, with a plan to bring the regatta closer to its traditions of monohulls, match racing and more teams participating.

American Magic Back in Action

Mechatronics in the America’s Cup

Confirmed Flight for American Magic

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Strange Glow Over Moscow Skies Triggers Panic as Explosions Reported

B right flashes lit up the night sky in southern Moscow in the early hours of Thursday morning, new footage appears to show, following reports of an explosion at an electrical substation on the outskirts of the city.

Video snippets circulating on Russian-language Telegram channels show a series of flashes on the horizon of a cloudy night sky, momentarily turning the sky a number of different colors. In a clip shared by Russian outlet MSK1.ru, smoke can be seen rising from a building during the flashes lighting up the scene.

Newsweek was unable to independently verify the details of the video clips, including when and where it was filmed. The Russian Ministry of Emergency situations has been contacted via email.

Several Russian Telegram accounts said early on Thursday that residents of southern Moscow reported an explosion and a fire breaking out at an electrical substation in the Leninsky district, southeast of central Moscow.

Local authorities in the Leninsky district told Russian outlet RBC that the explosion had happened in the village of Molokovo. "All vital facilities are operating as normal," Leninsky district officials told the outlet.

The incident at the substation in Molokovo took place just before 2 a.m. local time, MSK1.ru reported.

Messages published by the ASTRA Telegram account, run by independent Russian journalists, appear to show residents close to the substation panicking as they question the bright flashes in the sky. One local resident describes seeing the bright light before losing access to electricity, with another calling the incident a "nightmare."

More than 10 villages and towns in the southeast of Moscow lost access to electricity, the ASTRA Telegram account also reported. The town of Lytkarino to the southeast of Moscow, lost electricity, wrote the eastern European-based independent outlet, Meduza.

Outages were reported in the southern Domodedovo area of the city, according to another Russian outlet, as well as power failures in western Moscow. Electricity was then restored to the areas, the Strana.ua outlet reported.

The cause of the reported explosion is not known. A Telegram account aggregating news for the Lytkarino area described the incident as "an ordinary accident at a substation."

The MSK1.ru outlet quoted a local resident who speculated that a drone may have been responsible for the explosion, but no other Russian source reported this as a possible cause.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Moscow with long-range aerial drones in recent months, including a dramatic wave of strikes in late May.

On Sunday, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin said the region's air defense systems had intercepted an aerial drone over the city of Elektrostal, to the east of Moscow. No damage or casualties were reported, he said.

The previous day, Russian air defenses detected and shot down another drone flying over the Bogorodsky district, northeast of central Moscow, Sobyanin said.

There is currently no evidence that an aerial drone was responsible for the reported overnight explosion at the electrical substation in southern Moscow.

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NEW YORK YACHT CLUB AMERICAN MAGIC CORE SAILING TEAM CONFIRMED

Newport, R.I. -  Today, New York Yacht Club American Magic, the U.S. sailing team challenging for the 37 th America’s Cup, confirmed the core sailing team roster: Tom Burnham, Lucas Calabrese, Andrew Campbell, Riley Gibbs, Paul Goodison, Michael Menninger, and Dan Morris.

Tom Burnham (Newport, R.I.) Tom joins American Magic as Head Coach. Tom has sailed on three America’s Cup teams, Young America, and twice with the Italian Team Luna Rossa. Tom was the head coach of the Swedish America’s Cup Challenger Artemis Racing in the 35 th America’s Cup. Tom sailed with Quantum Racing’s TP52 program for eight years. Tom is also previously the coach for the Australian SailGP team. Tom is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island and won the Student Yachting World Cup. In addition to being a professional sailor and sailing coach, Tom is very passionate about the environment and practicing ways to be more sustainable on and off the water.

Lucas Calabrese (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) Lucas achieved an Olympic Medal in London 2012 competing in the 470 class. Lucas has won three World Championships: Melges 20 Worlds, J70 Worlds and Optimist Worlds. Lucas was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he moved permanently to the United States seven years ago and became a US citizen. Lucas placed 2 nd at the TP52 Worlds and 2 nd at the Melges 24 Worlds.

Andrew Campbell (San Diego, Calif.) Andrew returns to American Magic in his third America’s Cup pursuit, this is his second campaign with American Magic and previously was with Oracle Team USA in the 35 th America’s Cup. Andrew is a World Champion Silver Medalist in the Star class. Andrew is a Beijing 2008 Olympian and won a Gold Medal at the 2007 Pan American Games. Andrew is a four time Collegiate All-American, four time National Champion and College Sailor of the Year during his time at Georgetown University. Andrew is a three time US Youth Champion Gold Medalist, and a Youth Laser World Champion.

Riley Gibbs (Long Beach, Calif.) Riley is a versatile sailor and has an impressive resume of successes in a variety of fleets starting at a young age. Riley is on the US Sailing Team and sails with the United States SailGP Team. Riley represented Team USA at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in the Nacra 17 class, he also competed at the Red Bull Foiling Generation World Finals. Riley won his first regatta at the Junior Sabot Nationals at the age of fourteen, and has since placed top five at three different World Champions: 29er, Formula Kite and Nacra17. Riley is the youngest skipper to win the 505 North Americans.

Paul Goodison MBE (Sheffield, Great Britain) will continue with American Magic in the team’s second hunt for the America’s Cup. Paul was a sailing team member with Artemis Racing in the 35 th America’s Cup. Paul has competed in three Olympic Games winning a Gold Medal in Beijing 2008, also he placed fourth in Athens 2004 and 7 th in London 2012. Paul holds six World Championship Titles, including: Halifax Canadian Worlds in the Laser class, Melges 32 World Champion with Samba Pa Ti, Melges 20 World Champion with Samba Pa Ti, and is a three time Moth World Champion. Paul is a five-time Laser European Champion and a Melges 32 European Champion. Paul grew up in Sheffield, Great Britain.

Michael Menninger (Newport Beach, Calif.) Michael is a former helmsman of the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup. Michael is a Match Racing World Champion, Team Racing World Champion and Etchells World Champion. Michael has sailed with 11 th Hour Racing Team aboard the Imoca 60 for a transatlantic crossing. Michael sailed for St. Mary’s College of Maryland, he is a three-time All-American, two-time National Champion and twice College Sailor of the Year finalist. Michael is a two-time Governor’s Cup winner.

Dan Morris (Newport, R.I.)  Dan returns to American Magic in his second America’s Cup quest. Dan is a Match Racing Tour World Champion, a Transpac Race Winner, and a Middle Sea Race Winner. Dan has been a part of the Red Bull Sailing Team in the Extreme Sailing Series, the United States SailGP Team and participated in the Superfoiler Grand Prix. Dan grew up living and working on boats in Minnesota.

“We are excited to announce this group of talented sailors,” remarked Terry Hutchinson, Skipper, and President of Sailing Operations for American Magic. “Our goal is to win the America’s Cup and bring the trophy back to United States and the New York Yacht Club. We are confident we are putting together a balanced team of experienced America’s Cup sailors with new blood to help American Magic accomplish this goal.”

“The America’s Cup is the pinnacle of the sport of sailing and our team is hungry.” said Tom Burnham, American Magic Head Coach. “The sailors are actively sailing in other events and regattas around the globe. We are currently planning our sailing schedule for the 37 th America’s Cup, per the Rules of the Protocol all of the teams are permitted to start sailing their AC75 this September.”

The complete American Magic sailing team and roles on the boat will be announced at a future date. 

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Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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