Whilst training ahead of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta that starts on Thursday August 22, Alinghi Red Bull Racing suffered a rig failure onboard ‘BoatOne.’
In an initial statement released on social media, Silvio Arrivabene, Co-General Manager of Alinghi Red Bull Racing confirmed that all the team members were safe and the boat had been safely returned to their dock in the Port Vell under tow:
“Today there was a rig failure during the early stage of training on BoatOne. Everybody onboard is safe, and an investigation will be carried out in due course. In the meantime, the team remains fully focused on racing.”
This is the second rig failure that the Swiss team have had to endure with a breakage occurring on 13 June whilst in training.
Conditions today saw a southerly breeze coming down the Barceloneta beachfront with a mean of 12 knots and a calm sea state – according to Predict Wind.
Alinghi Red Bull Racing are scheduled to feature in the first race of the Louis Vuitton Preliminary Regatta against Orient Express Racing Team on Thursday August 22 at 14:00 CET.
A follow up statement issued later the same day confirmed the Swiss team would indeed be ready to race on the first day of the preliminary regatta:
Bouncing Back
Today, Tuesday 20th August, Alinghi Red Bull Racing faced a rig failure. Fortunately, due to the quick response from the crew, everyone onboard is safe, and the situation was promptly managed.
1) What happened today?
We were sailing upwind in a beautiful breeze of 13 or so knots and all of a sudden, the mast came down. The crew very quickly and professionally responded to get the mast and boat separated and retrieved the sail to get the boat towed back in. Today the team demonstrated what a competent crew they are.
When we got back to shore, we were welcomed by the whole team. Everybody pulled together to bring all the parts back to base. BoatOne is back in the shed with just a few scratches. Most importantly, nobody onboard was hurt. So, despite this setback, our spirits are still up.
2) Now there have been two mast failures on BoatOne. Isn’t that strange?
Yes. The events that occurred today were definitely surprising, particularly given the mild conditions. No signs of overload were observed on the mast, which was newly acquired and had been in use for just 20 minutes.
This one-design mast replaced the previous one, which had been in place for only a few hours before failing. Each failure occurred in a very similar manner, and on both occasions, all load sensors indicated that the stress levels were well within acceptable limits. T
o be in this situation again certainly raises some legitimate questions with regard to what happened to the masts’ structural integrity. It’s a matter that needs to be looked at very closely, but for now, we’re leaving the investigation to the experts.
3) What now?
The course of our programme has not changed. We are focused on racing. We may have lost a mast, but we haven’t lost the race. We have another rig that has successfully sailed over the past months, so tomorrow we will have BoatOne back in racing condition ready for dock out at 13h00.
We’re not a team that gives up, and we invite everyone to our dock out tomorrow to see firsthand what Alinghi Red Bull Racing is made of. Join us tomorrow, Wednesday 21st August, at Plaça de l'Odissea just before 13:00 to watch BoatOne’s dock out and show your support for Alinghi Red Bull Racing!
