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 Flips, foils and Super Hornets—Sailing News from the U.S. and Beyond
 | | Oracle Team USA capsized in San Francisco Image: Chris Ray Americas Cup Media |
One of the big 'what-if' questions about racing AC72 class catamarans on San Francisco Bay was answered today when Oracle Racing became the first team to capsize one of these wingsail-powered beasts, flipping their 'USA 17' on their eight day of sailing their new boat. USA 17 pitch-poled, and that the team was able to self-rescue, crew injuries were minimal. The fragile wingsail, however, is a different story as it took several attempts to right the mighty trimaran and the tow back to base was rough on both the boat and wing.
 | | Emirates Team New Zealand. Day 12 of testing for the team's first AC72. Hauraki Gulf, Auckland. Chris Cameron/ETNZ |
This mishap comes on the heels of several successful days for both Oracle Racing and Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), the only two AC34 contenders to have flown their AC72s on foils. Be sure to check out the great image galleries of Oracle Racing and ETNZ aloft, inside.ry
 | | James Spithill flies with the Blue Angels Guilain Grenier Oracle Team USA© |
And speaking of Oracle Racing, Jimmy Spithill—the team's young, red-hot skipper—recently got the chance to ride shotgun with the Blue Angles flying team in a Navy F/A 18 Super Hornet. Spithill was exposed to high-G Force moves during the flight (really cool video exists), but he came away loving the experience, calling it 'the thrill of his life'. Quite a statement, coming from a man who has driven two of the most exotic sailboats ever built. More, inside this issue.
Meanwhile, in the Heartland, Don Wilson and his team of Jen Wilson, Sally Barkow, Tod Reynolds and Erik Shampain won the prestigious Richardson Trophy match-racing event. Wilson and company won 21 out of their 24 match-racing flights; impressively, this is Wilson's second consecutive year to take top honors.
 | | Don Wilson and team - Richardson Trophy CMRC - Chicago Match Race Center - © |
'The top four teams were all solid, but we knew we had our work cut out for us in the semis and finals,' said Wilson. 'The scoreline made the finals look easy; it was anything but that. Sally and the team did a great job keeping us on the lifted tack at all times which was crucial to success upwind. We are stoked to have won this two years in a row.'
 | Esimit Europa 2 winner of 44 Barcolana race
Photo: © Carlo Borlenghi Carlo Borlenghi/Luca Butto |
Also inside, get the latest news from the Clipper Round the World Race, learn more about the Coast Guard Foundation (and how you can help support this important organization), and check out the preview of this week's Rolex Middle Sea Race. And finally, don't miss ace shooter Carlo Borlenghi's lovely image gallery from the Barcolana 44, which recently took place in Trieste, Italy. Enjoy!
May the four winds blow you safely home,
David Schmidt, Sail-World USA Editor
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