America's Cup- Oracle Team USA - Repairs and Construction

by Oracle Team USA on 27 Oct 2012
One week after capsizing on San Francisco Bay, Oracle Team USA says it is busy moving forward with repairs on the first AC72. At the same time, construction is well underway on the team’s second boat.

Attention now turns to scheduling and balancing work lists as the team prepares not only to get sailing again as soon as possible, but also to race next summer.

'We have had a series of discussions throughout the team and looked at all options. We needed to be realistic, and consider the level of risk involved,' general manager Grant Simmer said. 'We know we must focus on building the second AC72, and getting it sailing in the spring. The second boat is key to our defense of the Cup.'

Oracle Team USA completed construction on their first AC72 and launched it in August. The second boat build is scheduled to wrap up in the spring at the team base in San Francisco, allowing for a two-boat training and testing program in preparation for the 34th America’s Cup.

'We have started the repair process on our first AC72 – our shore team is progressing with this work.' Simmer said. 'A new wing was already under construction at Core Builder Composites in New Zealand – it is expected to arrive and be ready to use in the repaired boat early next year. We’re also planning the construction of a third wing for use on the second boat.'

The team had eight days of training on the water before capsizing on October 16. The boat was towed back to the team base at Pier 80, and the platform was removed from the water the following day. As a result of the incident, the wing sail was severely damaged.

All of Oracle Team USA is now tackling the list of repairs, and will soon resume the testing program on the AC45s.

'There are variables still to be determined,' Simmer said. 'We’re considering all options to define the best path to be able to win in September.'

As a result of the recent capsize of Oracle Team USA’s AC72 racing yacht, the wing sail was broken into numerous pieces. The team immediately began retrieving the pieces of the broken boat and has sent a helicopter to locate parts of the wing. The collection process is ongoing around the San Francisco Bay and along the beaches with members of our team searching both on and off the water, working collectively with local support teams.

The team appreciates the support of citizens and boaters around the Bay Area who have recovered pieces of the broken boat. All material is safe to handle, however please be mindful of sharp edges. Should pieces be located, please contact ORACLE TEAM USA as the team is attempting to salvage as much as possible and keep the Bay clean. A member of the team will be in touch to collect all material recovered.

CONTACT ORACLE TEAM USA AT:
contact@oracleteamusa.com