The America’s Cup playoff semi-finals took a dramatic turn yesterday (June 6) as Emirates Team New Zealand capsized while racing against Land Rover BAR.
As the video below shows, the Kiwi team’s bow dug in while chasing the British team, causing the boat to pitch-pole.
Despite the violent stall, all Emirates Team New Zealand members were quickly reported as safe and accounted for, with some managing to stay on board, clinging to their pedal-powered grinders, while others swam clear of the accident.
Speaking at a press conference last night, Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Peter Burling said: “Obviously we’ve sustained quite a bit of damage, but the most important thing to us is that all the guys on board are safe, with no major injuries. We feel like we’ll be able to repair it and get back into action.”
The capsize handed the race to Land Rover BAR, who have narrowed the deficit in the playoff semi-finals to 3-1. Racing is scheduled to continue today, despite the weather forecasters predicting very strong conditions.
In other America’s Cup news, Soft Bank Team Japan took the lead in the second semi-final, beating Artemis Racing in both of yesterday’s races. The Japanese team now lead 3-1 and will reach the playoff final if they win their next two races.
The semi-final winners are due to face-off this weekend (June 10-12), before a four-day break in racing while the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta takes place (June 13-15).