Young America rallies to win its first race

SAN DIEGO – Young America emerged from a storm-damaged compound Sunday to win its first America’s Cup race by beating the all-women America3 by 37 seconds on the fourth day of the defenders trials.

Young America’s yacht was damaged two weeks ago when a fierce storm devastated its boatyard.

But by Sunday, the crew was ready. Young America, in 15-knot winds, won the start but was overtaken by America3, which led for the first four legs of the course.

Because of heavy winds, Young America had to overcome a torn spinnaker, broken winches, assorted gear breakages on every section of the yacht and an electronic blackout.

“We lost all our electronic instruments,” skipper Kevin Mahaney of Bangor said. “All we had today was a compass, and our tactician and strategist did an outstanding job in placing the boat in the right place and that’s what really brought us back.”

America3 was penalized for tacking too close to its opponent and had to complete a 270-degree turn before regaining the lead.

It was the second straight loss for America3, which lost to Stars & Stripes by nearly six minutes Saturday.

The penalty was the difference, said America3 navigator Courtney Becker-Dey.

“It was a very good call by the judges,” Becker-Dey said. “We definitely fouled … and we feel that a penalty definitely cost us the race.”

The America’s Cup scoreboard is tied with one point each for Dennis Conner’s Stars & Stripes, America3 and Young America.

On Monday, Young America is to race Stars & Stripes.

On the challengers course, there were celebrations for New Zealand and Australian teams.

Team New Zealand defeated France America 95 by 2 minutes, 40 seconds. The other New Zealand syndicate, Tag Heuer Challenge, beat Japan’s Nippon Challenge and won by 57 seconds. Syd Fischer’s Sydney 95 defeated Spain by 3 minutes, 43 seconds.

In racing Monday, Sydney 95 will face John Bertrand’s oneAustralia. The two New Zealand teams, Team New Zealand and Tag Heuer, also meet for the first time. In the third challenger contest, Japan will race France.

The challenger scoreboard: Team New Zealand, 2 points; Sydney 95, 2 points; Tag Heuer Challenge, 1 point, France America 95, 0; Nippon Challenge, 1; oneAustralia, 0; and Spain, 0.