Rescue operation underway after American Magic capsize on day three of the Prada Cup

American Magic suffered a dramatic capsize on day three of the Prada Cup in Auckland, with the rescue operation still ongoing late into the evening New Zealand-time.

Race organisers have reported that all crew are safe, but the boat appears to have sustained significant damage with one website reporting a hole in the hull.

The incident happened in the second and final race of the day, as the Americans took on challenger of record Luna Rossa in the strongest winds yet seen in this Prada Cup, with gusts approaching 20knots.

The Italians had earlier lost to British challengers Ineos Team UK in a tight race which had to be re-run after the wind shifted and the course reset.

American Magic, searching for their first win of the series, were leading as they rounded the final windward gate, but their boat ‘Patriot’ flew out of the water spectacularly after they attempted to pull off a difficult tack-gybe manoeuvre.

The boat speed was over 40 knots just prior to the crash.

Patriot came back down on its port side before toppling over into the water. The race was immediately abandoned – victory going to Luna Rossa – as the rescue operation got underway.

American Magic’s British wing trimmer, Olympic gold medallist Paul Goodison, could be heard on team comms as they approached the final gate, warning skipper Terry Hutchinson and helmsman Dean Barker that the manoeuvre would be very difficult to pull off.

“After the capsize of American Magic this afternoon, America’s Cup Event Ltd and the Syndicate themselves have activated emergency management plans,” read a statement from the America’s Cup organisers just after 7pm local time Sunday (6am UK time).

“We are in contact with the Race Management Team who are out on the water and American Magic who have informed us that all crew are safe and accounted for.

“All syndicates are assisting, with coastguard in attendance and this is being coordinated from the On Water Operations Centre. Further updates to come.”

Ineos’ win was their fourth straight victory in the Prada Cup, with the British challengers still unbeaten midway through the round robin phase. They are top of the table on four points, with Luna Rossa on two points and American Magic still on zero points.

The Prada Cup will determine who goes on to face defenders New Zealand in the 36th America’s Cup match in March.

Comments are closed.