America's Cup

“Like a bomb”: Kiwi yacht damaged in crane accident

The "Taihoro" was damaged in a crane accident.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

The sailing yacht of defending champion New Zealand in the 37th America's Cup has been damaged in an accident. When the "Taihoro" was lifted out of the water on Thursday after the start of the challenger round in Barcelona, the crane failed. 

The AC75 yacht fell six meters onto its bearing pedestal, which partially gave way. It sounded "like a bomb going off", said team boss Grant Dalton. No team members were injured in the accident.

Participation interrupted
The damage, including to the complex electronics, was assessed into the night on Friday, but the extent is not yet clear. However, Dalton said: "This will certainly take us out of the competition for a while. Luckily the mast has stopped." Because only one new yacht per team is permitted in the 37th America's Cup to contain costs, the New Zealanders will not be able to continue their participation in the opening phase of the challenger round for the time being.

This has no sporting implications for the time being, as New Zealand cannot collect any points in the challenger round anyway and, as the Cup defender, is automatically in the final. The five challengers - including Alinghi Red Bull Racing - will now sail alone for the time being for a place in the semi-finals of the four best teams. The first team will be eliminated on September 8. The first of the maximum 13 final races for the America's Cup will take place on October 12.