Patriot games as Americans unveil their Magic ‘ rocket’

American Magic are one step closer to the starting line.

The New York Yacht Club’s America’s Cup challenger unveiled their second AC75, christened Patriot, in Auckland yesterday.

As a couple of hundred people filed into the team base, American Magic’s impressive second race vessel hit the water for the first time, the first syndicate to achieve the feat.

As one punter on a call to a friend put it: “The photo doesn’t do it justice. Honestly, it looks like a rocket.”

American Magic chief executive Terry Hutchison addressed the crowd, and the not so subtle rival boats hovering in the inlet behind the dock, before US Consul General Katelyn Choe officially cracked Champagne on the bowsprit.

“In the name of the United States of America and the New York Yacht Club, I christen thee Patriot. May God bless all who sail her.”

As the boat hit the sun- kissed sea, spy boats from INEOS Team UK and Luna Rossa snapped away on their cameras, while Team New Zealand — who hoisted a giant New Zealand flag by crane over their base which danced in the wind in the background of the launch — no doubt looked on.

What they take away from the launch would be tactical, as their own second boats are set to be unveiled in the near future.

As American Magic designer Marcelino Botin said of whether launching before the others was an advantage or disadvantage: “I don’t think it matters . . . it’s not really relevant.”

In launching yesterday, American Magic are ahead of schedule — Covid19 be damned — and are hopeful of getting to sail their shiny new vessel as early as next week.

Now awaiting the reveal of the other syndicates’ main race boats, the Americans can begin their countdown to the start line of December’s test regatta so they can let the Magic begin.