Challenger Series set for ‘ghost races’ with U.S. team sidelined

(Reuters) – With American Magic still working to repair the damage to their boat after capsizing on Sunday, America’s Cup organisers said this weekend’s Challenger Series round robin action will feature single-yacht ‘ghost races’.
The American team’s skipper Terry Hutchinson said on Monday they would not make the start line this weekend after their yacht “Patriot” was upended by a freak wind.
The winner of the Challenger Series earns the right to face defenders Team New Zealand for the America’s Cup from March 6.
American Magic’s absence prompted organisers to cancel Friday’s racing and stage the remaining match-ups for round robins three and four over Saturday and Sunday.
Challengers Ineos Team UK and Italy’s Luna Rossa still have to cross the start line to collect points from their ties against American Magic.
“The ‘ghost race’ will then be suspended just a few minutes after the start,” organisers said in a statement. “The rule of 25 minutes between the two starts will not apply to these ‘ghost races.'”
The Challenger Series final starts on Feb. 13.
(Reporting by Hardik Vyas in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford)
More Top Stories
WATCH: CPAC 2021 LIVE Coverage from Orlando, FL – Day 4 – President Trump Speaks
Join the RSBN team LIVE from CPAC 2021 in Orlando, FL for full coverage of all the action on the ground- see all of the …
read moreSources: ‘Conversations’ Pelosi Had With Sgt At Arms About National Guard Presence Factored Into ‘Blender Of Decision Making’ That Led Up To Riot
In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, Former Sergeant at Arms Paul Irving recalled to House Admin how previous discussions with House Speaker …
read moreHeritage Foundation: 11 Myths About the Transgender ‘Equality Act’
The Heritage Foundation exposed 11 of the most revolutionary demands in the Democrats’ so-called Equality Act, which would force Americans to accept the transgender ideology’s …
read moreCuomo calls for outside review after second former aide alleges sexual misconduct
New York Governor Andrew Cuomo called on Saturday for an outside review following a report of sexual misconduct allegations against him by a second former …
read moreDemocrats Block Rep. Andy Barr’s Amendment to Prevent COVID-19 Relief Funds from Going to China
Democrats in the House Rules Committee on Friday voted against an amendment by Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) that would prevent any American taxpayer-funded COVID-19 relief …
read moreDonald Trump Jr.: Working Class Americans Will Foot the Bill for Joe Biden’s Mass Immigration
Donald Trump Jr. says it is working class Americans, those earning the least in the economy, who will be forced to foot the bill for …
read more