On the way to the regatta course, one of their cuppers hit an underwater obstacle in the canal-like harbour exit created especially for the America's Cup.
"We were being towed out of the harbour on the same route we take every day - suddenly the yacht stopped abruptly and was thrown backwards as if by a catapult," reports grinder Craig Monk, who witnessed the accident live on board. "It wasn't as if we had run aground, but as if we had been caught in a steel cable under water."
The boat was then immediately towed back to the base and craned out of the water. One of the boat's appendages was visibly damaged. However, BWM Oracle Racing was able to resume training an hour late after a thorough examination of the yacht. In order to avoid further accidents in the narrow passage, the organisers were immediately informed of the incident by AC Management.
Chris Dickson, CEO and skipper of BMW Oracle Racing, expressed his annoyance: "It is irritating that something like this is happening in the America's Cup channel, which we have been repeatedly assured is deeper than necessary for America's Cup yachts." He continued: "There are only 30 days until the first regatta and we hope that the AC management will ensure that the channel is clear. We were unlucky today, but something like this should not happen and must have consequences."
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
