Kiwis sent toppling as catamaran capsizes

NEW Zealand crew members were catapulted into the water when their catamaran capsized before reaching the start line of an America’s Cup semi-final.

Despite the mishap, Team NZ took a 3-1 lead over Great Britain’s Land Rover BAR in Bermuda in their best-of-nine series to face Team USA in the final.

In the other semi-final, Australian skipper Nathan Outteridge’s Swedish team Artemis Racing lost twice to Team Japan to slump behind 3-1.

All crews had to contend with rough seas and high winds in Bermuda’s Great Sound, with the Kiwis coming undone ahead of their second race when their 50-foot catamaran’s hull upturned.

The incident sent some of the six-person crew into the water and others suspended, but all were safe and uninjured.

BAR were awarded the race win as a result of the incident.

After winning yesterday’s first race, New Zealand were in doubt for the rest of the regatta after their boat showed signs of damage from the impact.

British skipper Ben Ainslie expressed hope their opponents would return to the race, while NZ captain Peter Burling was cautiously optimistic of continuing.

“The guys have taken the boat out and assessed the damage, of which we have quite a bit,” Burling said.

A forecast for stronger winds could see today’s racing cancelled, buying Team NZ some extra time for any running repairs.