Pensacola's adopted sailing team, American Magic, racing this weekend. How to watch

Jim Little, Pensacola News Journal
Updated ·2 min read

New York Yacht Club American Magic took first place in a preliminary regatta in the 37th America's Cup, potentially bringing one of the world's premier sailing events one step closer to being hosted in Pensacola.

Pensacola's adopted American Magic team joined five other international sailing teams this weekend in Vilanova i la Geltru for a three-day preliminary regatta in the 37th America's Cup.

The preliminary races are more exhibition matches between the six teams to allow them to test their skills against the other competitors. The preliminary races were this past weekend in Spain and in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Nov. 29.

The Challenger Series, where teams start earning points to qualify for a one-on-one final race with defending America's Cup team Emirates New Zealand begins in the summer of 2024 in Spain.

Karen Kriegel picks up some American Magic gear during a watch party at Seville Quarter on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Dozens of sailing enthusiasts gathered at the downtown Pensacola entertainment complex for a watch party featuring the sailing team competing in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain.
Karen Kriegel picks up some American Magic gear during a watch party at Seville Quarter on Friday, Sept. 15, 2023. Dozens of sailing enthusiasts gathered at the downtown Pensacola entertainment complex for a watch party featuring the sailing team competing in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain.

Despite rough weather and an uphill climb after entering the final day of the regatta in fifth place, American Magic's quartet of Tom Slingsby, Paul Goodison, Riley Gibbs and Michael Menninger "orchestrated a nearly flawless display of high-pressure regatta sailing. Through consistent starting, boat handling, and boat speed, they capitalized on every opportunity," ultimately taking home the victory, according to the team.

The team conducted some of its training for the race in Pensacola and some in Barcelona, and a watch party for the event at Seville Quarter drew a packed crowd of fans.

The regatta took place after the Pensacola City Council voted unanimously on Thursday to approve the final terms of an $8.5 million Triumph Gulf Coast grant that will go toward a $15 million Center for Maritime Excellence at the Port of Pensacola to serve as American Magic's HQ when they return from the America's Cup race.

Dozens of sailing enthusiasts gathered at the downtown Pensacola entertainment complex for a watch party featuring the sailing team competing in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain.
Dozens of sailing enthusiasts gathered at the downtown Pensacola entertainment complex for a watch party featuring the sailing team competing in Vilanova i la Geltru, Spain.

Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves has said if the team wins the 37th America's Cup it will look to host an America's Cup race in Pensacola.

This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola supports American Magic in America's Cup prelims