America's Cup teams battle to save Patriot
by Mark Jardine & Richard Gladwell 17 Jan 2021 17:29 AEDT
17 January 2021
A huge capsize for American Magic on day 3 of the PRADA Cup © America's Cup
It's been a day of high drama in Auckland at the PRADA Cup, with all the support teams now battling to save NYYC American Magic's AC75 'Patriot'.
In New York Yacht Club American Magic's match up against Luna Rossa PRADA Pirelli, the Americans team tried to execute a tack bear away in a big squall while in the lead. With the leeward runner seemingly jammed on, the bow reared up, resulting in the main foils both leaving the water, then rolling into a capsize.
After righting the yacht, it was clear that there was a significant amount of water inside the boat, with buoys and other floatation devices attached and pumps deployed quickly. Despite this, the bow is still under the water.
Update, 7.00pm local time: All of the teams support boats are helping out. The latest news from on the water is that the bow is now clear of the water situation appears stable hopefully the tow will start soon.
Update, 7.30pm local time: The other team tenders have all pulled back, a tow is imminent.
Update - 10.00pm NZDT from American Magic: American Magic's AC75 racing yacht, PATRIOT, has been stabilized and is in the process of being towed slowly back to shore. We'd like to again express our sincere thanks to our competitors, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, INEOS Team UK, and Emirates Team New Zealand, for immediately coming to our assistance. An ETNZ chase boat is currently assisting the team with the tow operation, and our fellow Challengers helped with equipment, personnel, and general support on the water.
We are also grateful to America's Cup Event Ltd, the race management team, Coastguard New Zealand, the Auckland Harbourmaster, local fire and police personnel and all others who have and still are helping us during this difficult moment for our team.
Update - 11.55pm NZDT:PATRIOT is now safely ashore and the New York Yacht Club American Magic team are assessing the damage.