DISASTER! Alinghi Red Bull AC 75 Breaks Mast in Barcelona. Footage. Our Experts Diego and Vittorio

Today, Alinghi Red Bull Racing suffered a catastrophic failure of their mast while testing their AC75 catamaran in Barcelona. The incident occurred just after 2 pm with the afternoon SEA Breeze blowing from 210 to 220° at a strength of 20-25 knots.

Key Details

The incident happened while Alinghi Red Bull Racing was executing a bear away maneuver in 20-knot winds. The forward section of the mast gave way under pressure, causing the rig to collapse into the water to leeward.

Preparedness of Team

Team CEO Sylvio Favre noted that incidents like this are part of the sport and said, ‘The team is prepared for situations like this with all necessary spare parts.’ Their focus now will be to repair and get boat one back on the water as soon as possible.

Implications

This is a concerning moment for the team, but they are well-prepared with spare parts to handle the issue. Alinghi Red Bull Racing will need to act quickly to resolve the problem and get back on the water as soon as possible to stay competitive.

The Incident

During a bear away maneuver, the mast went slack and buckled in two pieces at the bottom third of its height. The rig then collapsed on deck and into the water, leaving some minor damage aside from scratched surfaces on the bow.

Location Information

The incident took place in Barcelona during a test sail with an afternoon SEA Breeze blowing between 210 to 220° at approximately 20-25 knots. The conditions were noted as strong and windy, typical for sailing in the area.

Expert Opinions

Italian challenger Luna Rossa helmed by Jimmy Spithill was nearby and shared their thoughts on the conditions before the mast failure occurred. They described the day as productive, with beautiful wind speeds and conditions before the incident.

Possible Future Developments

Alinghi Red Bull Racing will need to assess the damage, replace the mast and repair any additional issues that have been caused by this catastrophic failure. The team will likely be working hard over the coming days and weeks to get back out on the water and testing their boat in preparation for the America’s Cup.

Conclusion

This incident demonstrates that teams competing in the America’s Cup must be prepared to handle unexpected setbacks and be ready to quickly adapt. Alinghi Red Bull Racing has shown great resilience and preparedness for such an event, but it remains to be seen how this failure will affect their overall performance in the upcoming races.

Impressive Performance

New Zealand has showcased an impressive ability to navigate their AC75 catamaran, especially when heeling or sailing off the wind. This skill could prove vital in upcoming races and provide a competitive edge for the team.