After eight edge-of-the-seat races in the AC40, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Youth team has concluded the Qualification Series of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup. Although they didn’t secure a spot in the Final Series, the event has offered the young Swiss sailors a vital first step into the world of elite sailing.

Following days of weather delays, the Alinghi Red Bull Racing Youth team completed their final day of racing in the Qualification Series of the UniCredit Youth America’s Cup, but fell short of the points needed to progress to the next stage. The past week’s racing presented a dramatic mix of conditions, with huge waves to flat seas, and gentle breeze to strong gusts. All 12 competing teams in both groups were put to the test, with some electrifying fleet racing as the AC40 yachts reached speeds of over 40 knots.

Since joining the Swiss Challenger in Barcelona earlier this year, the Youth team has been immersed in the day-to-day life of an America’s Cup campaign. The young sailors have learned from teammates with decades of experience across various departments, including the shore team, design department, and the America’s Cup sailors themselves, five of whom took part in previous Youth America’s Cup events. Overall, the campaign has provided the next generation of Swiss sailors with a solid foundation for a future in high-level competition. Meanwhile, Alinghi Red Bull Racing moves its focus to the Women’s team, with the Puig Women’s America’s Cup set to begin on 5th October.

Jann Schüpbach, Skipper: “The racing has been really amazing; especially today the conditions were just perfect with 13 to 18 knots. Every time we were rounding the marks, all the group was together, so it was super tight racing. I want to give a huge shout-out to the other teams – they really put on a show out there. We never gave up, but in the end, it was just not enough.

To be part of Alinghi Red Bull Racing was a huge honour, and we've come so far as a team. We’re a tight-knit group of friends, so it’s been a hell of an experience that we’ve shared together.”

Arnaud Grange, Helmsman: “Having this opportunity to race in the Youth America's Cup makes me want to be on the bigger boats in the future. It’s been amazing to be part of Alinghi Red Bull Racing and to just be in this environment for the past few months, to get to stand alongside the AC75 crew and the whole team at the base. I’m really grateful to be part of this big family and have only positive things to take from the event.”at the base. I’m really grateful to be part of this big family and have only positive things to take from the event.”

Matías Bühler, Head Coach of Youth Team: “For sure, we are disappointed, but we know that we gave it all. We saw today that once you start on the back foot, it's very hard to come back at this level. The boys stayed in the running, but here every millimetre counts. There are no gifts on the racecourse. So full credit to our sailors, they pushed until the end. Today it may be over for the Youth program, but it’s been a great journey and we’re very proud of what we achieved.”