America's Cup: Drama for American Magic: "Patriot" capsizes in the Prada Cup

Dramatic scenes in the challenger round of the 36th America's Cup: in the sixth duel of the preliminary round between the Italian Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team and American Magic, the US yacht "Patriot" capsized. After a botched start with high speeds, the team was quickly well in the race and had already taken the lead on the first section of the course. The first American victory after three defeats was within reach on the fifth rounding of the buoys before the final section of the course, when "Patriot" first shot into the sky over Auckland like a rocket in a gust and then lay on its side almost as if in slow motion. A quick head count revealed that all crew members had survived the spectacular accident and were on board or in the water with at least one hand on the boat. In accordance with the regulations, the race victory went to the Italians with their two helmsmen Francesco Bruni and Jimmy Spithill, who were still 42 seconds behind at the fourth rounding of the buoys despite top speeds of up to 48 knots.

The capsize of "Patriot" can be seen here in the second race of the day shortly before the end in several replays and with commentary by reporters Ken Read, Nathan Outteridge and Shirley Robertson

The capsize occurred shortly after rounding the last windward mark. Helmsman Dean Barker set the manoeuvre in such a way that "Patriot" tacked around the buoy and then immediately dropped and headed downwind. Mainsail trimmer Paul Goodison could be heard shouting twice: "This is going to be a tough manoeuvre, this is going to be a tough manoeuvre." His shouts had the character of an urgent warning. Alternatively, the team could have chosen the other mark of the goal and then jibed immediately; it would have been the easier way. Instead, however, Barker and his team opted to turn and fall away. They were also caught by a strong gust at high speed, as can be seen from the sailors' comments in the live broadcast.

The crucial problem when dropping was obviously that the leeward tag could not be inflated. As a result, "Patriot" was unable to descend correctly. Instead, the projectile accelerated uncontrollably and luffed up. This led to a stall at the foils, causing the boat and foils to shoot completely out of the water into the air, fall back and capsize to leeward. The crew and their helpers, including those from the America's Cup organisers and the other teams, were still busy hours after the race stabilising "Patriot" and bringing her back to port. A team statement from Team New York Yacht Club American Magic said: "American Magic is sincerely grateful for all the support the team has received as a result of today's incident."

Earlier, Sir Ben Ainslie's Ineos Team UK had secured its fourth consecutive victory in the fifth Prada Cup preliminary round duel against Patrizio Bertelli's Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team. The British team now lead the Prada Cup table after the first weekend with a 4-0 win. The Italian "Challenger of Record" is in second place with 2:2 points. The Americans, who are still winless and almost knocked out on Sunday, are only third with a record of 0:4. The challenger round for the 36th America's Cup will continue on 22 January with the second race weekend. Whoever wins the Prada Cup will be allowed to challenge the defenders from Emirates Team New Zealand in the 36th America's Cup duel.

Click here for the results and the interim results.