YAC: All to play for as French Youth team have a tech issue

After a three-hour delay on the water due to a lack of wind, the race committee finally got a start off at 17:38. France's young Orient Express - L'Oréal Racing Team was hampered shortly before the start by a technical problem that affected its ability to sail.

The crew led by skipper Enzo Balanger set off nonetheless, but soon had to face the facts and retire: "Nothing was working on board anymore. So we were forced to abandon," explained a disappointed Enzo.

After an investigation on the water it was determined that the boat was the victim of a cooling pump failure, causing the onboard systems to overheat.

As it was not possible to change the pump at sea, the French team was told by the race directors not to start the second and final race of the day due to the technical problems.

As the boats are under the responsibility of the Youth America's Cup organisers, the Orient Express-L'Oréal Racing Team requested redress. Recognising the problem the jury awarded 4 points for each race to ‘Les Bleus’.

So in the overall rankings after two races, and following the jury's decision, the Orient Express - l'Oréal Racing Team is tied in 3rd place on equal points with the British and New Zealand teams.

The Group A Qualifying Series will continue tomorrow morning at 10:30 with 2 further races.

For results see here: https://www.americascup.com/results