Sailing Toward No. 1

Young America held off a challenge from Dennis Conner’s Stars and Stripes on Wednesday to win its third America’s Cup defender race.

Young America, skippered by Kevin Mahaney, crossed the finish line 18 seconds ahead of Stars and Stripes in the closest margin in four days of racing on both defender and challenger courses.

Stars and Stripes will have a chance to avenge the loss during today’s rematch. On Friday, the all-women America3 will race Young America.