Article reposted from the Americas Cup Website:
http://www.americascup.com/en/news/3/news/8482/oracle-team-usa-capsize-ac72-on-san-francisco-bay
ORACLE TEAM USA capsize AC72
- Photo Credit: Robbie Dean
“We called for a bear-away as we were out training. The winds were blowing about 25 knots, and there was strong ebb current at the time (the strongest of the year). We started the bear-away, and as the boat accelerated it pitch-poled.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen with the new boat. When the nose went down, the wing hit and a few guys went in the water. We were unsure if the wing would snap, so we all climbed off the boat.
“Luckily, everyone is accounted for and no one was hurt. The wing is pretty badly damaged, and we are working to get the boat back in position to return to Pier 80.”
Update – 1645 PDT - The ORACLE TEAM USA AC72 is now upside down – the team has not been able to right the boat and it has drifted under the Golden Gate Bridge.
The wing is still attached to the boat and the team is working to secure the boat into a towing position.
NBC Bay Area has live footage here.
The team has confirmed no serious injuries.
Original post 1545 PDT - ORACLE TEAM USA has capsized during training on San Francisco Bay on Tuesday afternoon.
Witnesses say the wing is badly damaged. The team is still working to bring the boat upright.
The team is saying there are no serious injuries and the Coast Guard has not received a call for assistance from the team.
ORACLE TEAM USA is expected to have more information available shortly.
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