Image: ACEA 2017 / Photo Ricardo Pinto

Light winds again greeted the six international Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Pool B teams who returned to day two of Qualifiers fleet racing action on 13 June on Bermuda’s Great Sound.

However, the wind speed did not stop the day producing huge tension, real drama and a fantastic story for Bermuda, home of the 35th America’s Cup with TeamBDA, the local favourites, booking their place in the Finals of the 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup by securing the points they needed to progress in the second race of the day.

TeamBDA’s progression also means that, at the end of day two, the 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup says goodbye to the Austrian Candidate Sailing Team and Carson Crain’s Next Generation USA. Just over one-and-a-half years before the start of the 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup, many of the Bermudian team had not sailed before, so to book their place in the 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Finals, on their own home waters, is a truly special story.

Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Sports Directors Hans-Peter Steinacher and Roman Hagara gave their thoughts on the Pool B Qualifiers action, starting with Steinacher who said, “There were tricky conditions on both days for Pool B but the four teams who made it into the final have played the tactical game well and deserve to be in the Finals. There was a lot to play for until the last race and that shows just how high the performance levels are of the youth sailors taking part in the 2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.”

Picking up with his thoughts was Roman Hagara who added, “Even though we didn’t have the wind levels we’d prefer, we’re still extremely pleased with how the first two days of racing have gone. It’s crazy how many spectator boats have been out on the water today to support the teams, and especially TeamBDA. Now everyone on this beautiful island will be in the America’s Cup Village for the finals on 20 and 21 June!”

Qualifying for Pool A  takes place over 15 – 16 June.

2017 Red Bull Youth America’s Cup Pool B Qualifiers – Final Standings
1. NZL Sailing Team 51pts
2. Land Rover BAR Academy 51pts
3. Spanish Impulse by IBEROSTAR 51pts
4. TeamBDA 45pts
5. Next Generation USA 36pts
6. Candidate Sailing Team 36pts

The post First Red Bull Youth America’s Cup finalists appeared first on All At Sea.