When they seek to defend their world title in Barcelona in two weeks time at the Rolex TP52 World Championship in Barcelona, Doug DeVos' Quantum Racing powered by American Magic will have their five times 52 SUPER SERIES title winner Terry Hutchinson on board as tactician, substituting for John Kostecki who is still recovering from a medical procedure which he underwent in late May.
Hutchinson, who, as skipper/president of sailing operations of American Magic is presently based in the Catalan capital city, will reprise the role in which he helped guide Quantum Racing to Rolex World Championship titles in 2014, 2016 and 2018 as well as last year.
He will sail with 2023's team newcomer helm Harry Melges IV – himself a member of the American Magic afterguard – and young Victor Diaz de Leon reverting to his role as strategist, with Nicolo Sanfelice now coming in as navigator until the end of the season.
"We really have been trying to get to the original concept for Quantum Racing Powered by American Magic and so from that standpoint alone having Terry on the boat at the worlds will be great as the new younger members of the team will be able to directly benefit from his experience." Enthuses Quantum Racing Powered by American Magic's team director Ed Reynolds.
Quantum Racing powered by American Magic currently lie third on the 2023 52 SUPER SERIES standings some 26 points behind leaders Provezza. They finished second by six points in Saint Tropez and were again runners up in Scarlino – where they missed victory by one point – but in Menorca finished sixth, 20 points off Platoon's winning aggregate.
Now the US-flagged team are also hoping a winning performance in Barcelona will reduce some of that points deficit. Kostecki is expected to be back on the boat as tactician at the final regatta of the season in Puerto Portals in September.
Reynolds muses,
"It is interesting in that Saint-Tropez and Scarlino I think gave us an underserved optimism, but then in Menorca I think the afterguard's inexperience told. Now, this will be really positive I am sure. If you look at the results we have achieved with Terry over the years I think we have a good chance. He is the very best, and at the same time this will be the perfect opportunity to mentor the younger team members with his skills, experience and energy. Victor has been so impressive in the way he has adapted to the different demands made of him and he will enjoy sailing in his original role, working directly alongside Terry."
Hutchinson, confirms he has not done very much grand prix racing this season but is relishing the challenge. Know they will have to raise their game to win the world title, he comments,
"We will have to be quick to match the 2022 success at this event. But I know the team will be up to the challenge.I have raced with Sarah (Stone) this winter and Harry is a team member at American Magic. I am really looking forward to racing and learning with Victor."
He has been monitoring their performance regatta by regatta,
"I think they have sailed really well. It has been hard with JK's injury and it was great to see the team have a good event in Scarlino. The feedback from Menorca was that it was a tough event in what we know to be a tough venue. But they finished strong winning the last race showing good mental toughness."
He concludes,
"Our approach has to be consistency. I have not been racing as much as I had last year and so our focus has to be boat speed leading to consistent decision making. We know how hard it is to be successful on the 52 SUPER SERIES. I am looking forward to the opportunity to be racing with Harry and Victor."
The Rolex TP52 World Championship runs from 21st to 26th August in Barcelona, based out of the Marina Vela by the W Hotel. The event will feature five days of Live TV.