Oracle Catamaran Capsizes in San Francisco Bay
An Oracle Team USA catamaran capsized Tuesday afternoon in San Francisco Bay as the team was completing training exercises for the America’s Cup.
The boat was brought ashore early Wednesday morning after flipping near the San Francisco Yacht Club. The capsize took place as the team turned the catamaran downwind, with the front of the boat nosediving. Thankfully, no crew members were injured. Below is amateur video footage:
Teams went out in safety boats to try and upright the vessel but the conditions quickly damaged the wing and the catamaran was pulled out to sea. The wing was destroyed.
This is a setback for Oracle Team USA as all teams competing in the America’s Cup can build two boats. The second is set to launch early next year. But team officials said this will not affect the 2013 racing calendar.
Photo Credit: Guilain GRENIER / ORACLE TEAM USA
