TeamVodafoneSailing - Highlights and Lowlights (Dismasted)

by TeamVodafoneSailing

It was business as usual for TeamVodafoneSailing in the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron's Wednesday night race, on 9th February, until a shroud breakage led to a toppled rig.

The boat was sailing at 25 knots of boatspeed on a beam reach off Devonport Wharf in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour, when a cap shroud termination gave way.

"The rig went over the side, but it has caused minimal damage to both boat and rig," says owner Simon Hull.

TeamVodafoneSailing was sailing head to head with the AC45 when the breakage occurred in the lower section of the side stay. It was towed back to base by Emirates Team New Zealand support boats, and lifted out of the water by an AC World Series crane.

"We will be examining the rig more closely overnight and making a plan to get back out sailing as soon as possible," says Hull. "My crew have done an excellent job of saving the situation, and the support from those that have helped us tonight has been fantastic. We will let you know our plans shortly."

Back on the water soon...

TeamVodafoneSailing