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Yotboss · 03-11-2009, 19:59

Sad day...

"On Tuesday morning, during testing on the waters off San Diego, the BOR 90 dismasted. All of the crew on board are safe. No one was hurt in the incident."

More: Oracle

creakyboy · 03-11-2009, 20:04

wow...anyone know the conditions,ie:wind strength/sea state?

MarkJ · 03-11-2009, 20:13

I can't understand what the problem would be.... Just go to the rigger and get a new mast....

TaoJones · 03-11-2009, 20:16

Hmmm . . . the rumor, as reported in 'Lectronic Latitude on October 26, was that the BOR90 was going to receive a rigid wing rig. Does anyone know if that, in fact, happened, and if that was what came down in this incident?

See: Latitude 38 - The West's Premier Sailing & Marine Magazine

Scroll down to: BMW Oracle to Get Wing Rig?

TaoJones

Stillraining · 03-11-2009, 20:17

Now that had to have a snap-crackle-pop to it.....Bummer!

Yotboss · 03-11-2009, 20:19

More info gleaned from the local press:

BOR 90 DISMASTED
(November 3, 2009) - The 33rd America's Cup challenger, BMW Oracle Racing,
took one on the chin today when the 200-foot rig on their 90-foot trimaran
dropped while they were going upwind in approximately 9 knots. This all took
place about 9 miles south of the Coronado Islands at about 12:30pm while
training from their San Diego base.

No injuries occurred during the incident, and while the cause is still under
investigation, early indicators are that it was a forward stay or sprit
failure. The trimaran finally got back to the base by 17:00, with the support
RIBs that have retrieved the mast expected to arrive a couple of hours behind.
Early indications are that the boat platform hasn't suffered much damage, but
it will take time to do a full assessment. -- Photos:
http://www.sailingscuttlebutt.com/blog/2009/11/bor-90-dismasted.html

BTW, it was a nice day today - clear, under 10kts of wind...

creakyboy · 03-11-2009, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by TaoJones

Hmmm . . . the rumor, as reported in 'Lectronic Latitude on October 26, was that the BOR90 was going to receive a rigid wing rig. Does anyone know if that, in fact, happened, and if that was what came down in this incident?

See: Latitude 38 - The West's Premier Sailing & Marine Magazine

Scroll down to: BMW Oracle to Get Wing Rig?

TaoJones

nope apparentlt they haven't put the wing rig on yet,this might be a good time to try it out

unbusted67 · 03-11-2009, 20:35

Sucks. How much do you think that rig costs? I used to watch those guys sail out there and it was incredibly intense. They were definitely out there on some 30 knot days under full main and working jib and doing just fine. It seems weird it failed in so little wind.

Weyalan · 03-11-2009, 20:43

AC is, particularly these days, about pushing the envelops. Sometimes you push too hard. Ain't nuthin but a thang.

Solitude · 03-11-2009, 20:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stillraining

Now that had to have a snap-crackle-pop to it.....Bummer!

Hey why don't you give them the number to your yard!

Stillraining · 03-11-2009, 21:05

Quote:

Originally Posted by Solitude

Hey why don't you give them the number to your yard!

Funny...

That would be entertaining...

rustypirate · 03-11-2009, 23:12

Yep, anybody who tells me that racers are not pushing the boundries of safety for the sake of speed can keep right on talking to the hand....

GMac · 03-11-2009, 23:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by unbusted67

Sucks. How much do you think that rig costs?

Heard an 'expert' today who said 10 Mil. Not sure what currency 10 Mil but unless it was Zimbabwe Dribbles or whatever the valueless things are, it's a big pile of coin to see go splash.

The wing mast hasn't gone on yet but looks to be the replacement as it is supposedly close to all go.

But as it is the AC it is quite possible anything could happen.