Lyme sailor out of the America's Cup

By Philip Evans

3rd Feb 2021 | Sailing


Jim Taylor pictured at Lyme Regis Sailing Club
Jim Taylor pictured at Lyme Regis Sailing Club

LYME Regis sailor Jim Turner's bid to win the America's Cup has come to an end, after his team American Magic suffered losses in the qualifying Prada Cup semi-finals.

American Magic was was eliminated from the Prada Cup in New Zealand this weekend, following a loss in the fourth race of the series against the Challenger of Record, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli of Italy.

The winner of the Prada Cup will go on to sail against the defender 'Te Rehutai', sailed by Emirates Team New Zealand on behalf of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, for the 36th America's Cup, the oldest international sporting trophy.

American Magic's participation in the events associated with the 36th America's Cup marked the 30th time in the 170-year history of the event that a New York Yacht Club-backed team had competed as either the Defender or as a Challenger.

The campaign for Auckland 2021 was also the club's first attempt in 18 years to reclaim the oldest trophy in international sport.

The team suffered a dramatic capsize during a high-speed race earlier in January, which nearly sank their yacht 'Patriot', but they worked around the clock to get the boat ready for the semi-finals last week.

Having grown up in Lyme Regis and learnt to sail with brother Chris at Lyme Regis Sailing Club, Jim was selected for the American squad and moved to the US for four years of preparatory training, visiting his parents and brother in Lyme in August 2019 during a break.

He took a Lyme Regis Sailing Club burgee back with him to hang at the American Magic team base.

Always keenly competitive, both Jim and Chris have achieved international success and carry the name of their hometown all over the sailing world

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