Paul Goodison Injured, Out of America’s Cup Playoffs Start

Paul Goodison, co-helmsman for American Magic, will miss the start of the America’s Cup playoffs due to an injury sustained on September 7 during the opening round-robin phase. His teammate, Tom Slingsby, confirmed that Goodison had a fall on the boat, but the team has not disclosed the specifics of his injury or current condition. Goodison is under medical supervision, and while he is not ready to compete against Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, the team remains hopeful for his return. Substitute Lucas Calabrese will take over Goodison’s position on the port helm as the playoffs commence. Slingsby expressed the team’s desire for Goodison to recover quickly, emphasizing that they are monitoring his condition daily. The team is optimistic about his potential return, although no timeline has been provided. The playoffs feature a first-to-five-wins series against Luna Rossa, with another matchup between INEOS Britannia and Alinghi Red Bull Racing. Following the playoffs, the Louis Vuitton Cup finals will begin on September 26, leading to the America’s Cup finals against the defending champion New Zealand starting on October 12. Goodison, an Olympic gold medalist in 2008, is participating in his third America’s Cup and second with American Magic. His absence is a significant loss for the team, but they are focused on the competition ahead while wishing for his swift recovery and return to the helm.