Cagliari, Italy: This afternoon, during a sea trial, the AC75 "Luna Rossa" dismasted at just a few miles off the coast from Marina di Capitana.
No team member was injured in the incident. Mast, sails and rig were immediately recovered by the sailors onboard, with the help of the shore crew on the support ribs.
The whole team is already at work to return on the water as soon as possible and resume the training sessions in preparation for the America's Cup World Series that will take place from April 23 to 26.
Windstrength was reported by a weather station at Cape Carbonara, the nearest station to the incident showing winds increased in the morning to average 25kts from the SW around noon before easing slightly later in the afternoon. The elevation of the station is not known - which can be a factor in windstrength readings. It does explain the difference in sea state in some images as the breeze moderated during the afternoon.
Sail-World understands, confirmed by Italian sources said to be in contact with the team, and it would also appear also to be confirmed by the images, that the D-section spar did not break and that there was no damage to the rigging. The spar is to a shape restricted by the AC75. with a minimum laminate specified, however teams can add to this specification if they wish. The rigging is a one-design supplied package and it will vital for that package to be cleared of any blame for the incident.
Currently the issue has been identified by a forestay chainplate failure - which is feature that is unique to the Italian boat and was designed and manufactured by the team or a supplier.
If the spar is not broken the team is expected to be back sailing well before the America's Cup World Series in Cagliari in two and a half months.
Sources: Luna Rossa official website, Richard Gladwell from Sail-World
SSL Press Officer since 2015