Mahaney Clinches

Rookie America’s Cup skipper Kevin Mahaney sailed Young America to a comeback victory over America3 on Thursday, assuring himself of no worse than a first-place tie after three rounds of the defender trials.

Mahaney got inside of America3 early on the downwind second leg, had the starboard advantage rounding the mark and took a 12-second lead.

Young America, which had lost two straight to Stars & Stripes, regained the lead in the Citizen Cup defender series with 25 points.

America3 lost its fourth straight race following a series-opening win against Stars & Stripes on Feb. 15. The women are 3-12 overall and have only seven points.