Make America float again
Dramatic capsize in Prada Cup triggers battle to save boat
WELLINGTON/AUCKLAND: American Magic were sailing towards their first win of the America's Cup Challenger Selection Series yesterday when disaster struck on the Hauraki Gulf.
The boat, helmed by New Zealander Dean Barker, capsized just it they rounded the final mark in its race against Italian entry Luna Rossa.
Patriot was on foils and flying when the crew lost control and the AC75 went over.
The boat could not be righted quickly. The team confirmed everyone on board was safe soon after the capsize.
American Magic held a narrow sixsecond lead at the end of the first leg, extending that to 42 seconds after four legs.
At the top gate for the last time, the breeze had gone so far left that the left hand mark was the only choice.
The America's Cup website reported that resulted in a very difficult manoeuvre, especially with a squall sweeping across the course.
Patriot made it through the tack, but as they came out the leeward running backstay was not released, preventing the mainsail from being eased.
With sail pinned in and the gust now on them, American Magic's bow reared up and a capsize was inevitable.
The Americans were forced out of the race that they were leading, giving Luna Rossa its first win of the day.
American Magic, meanwhile, was left fighting to keep the boat afloat.
Large yellow floats were placed under the foils in the effort to keep the vessel buoyant, and generators were used on board to pump out the water.
Both Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa moved to assist the foundering vessel.
Luna Rossa's chase boat arrived with more floats to try to help keep the boat afloat.
A later statement from the American Magic team said ‘‘The team’s AC75 racing yacht, Patriot, was damaged during the incident and began taking on water.’’
‘‘American Magic received rapid assistance from the three other America’s Cup teams, along with America’s Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, Coastguard New Zealand, the Auckland Harbourmaster, and local fire and police personnel.’’
The New Zealand Herald reported on its live blog that preparations were made in the event of the boat sinking to the bottom; however, with the arrival of more pumps, the vessel was able to be raised high enough in the water to be taken under tow back to its home base — a trip of 18km that was under way last night.
Race officials said they were towing the vessel backwards because there was a hole in the bow somewhere.
It was positive result on a day that had plenty of nailbiting moments.
In the day’s other race, Ineos Team UK beat Luna Rossa to maintain its unbeaten record.
— RNZ / The New Zealand Herald