Problems for Team New Zealand. The defending champion and big favourite to retain the America’s Cup will not be able to compete for the time being on Friday or Saturday during the Barcelona Round Robin (the qualifying phase in which the New Zealanders compete without scoring points because they are directly classified for the final as champions of the last edition) due to damage to the stern. [parte trasera] of his AC75.
The ship accidentally fell off the crane that was lifting it out of the water on Thursday to place it in the wheeled mould that transports it to its hangar every day. The crane cable came loose for reasons that are currently being investigated. Had the ship not been aligned with its structural mould, the damage would have been much greater due to the fragility of the hull, which is made of carbon fibre.
According to the team’s analysis, the ship needs to cut and replace parts of the structure due to the damage sustained. “We have assessed the damage and have started the repair, which will continue around the clock. There is some structural damage to the stern of the ship, but the main structure was not damaged in the front of the ship. [la proa]”, the team assured.
Although the team did not initially specify the timeframe for its return, Team New Zealand CEO Grant Dalton sent a reassuring message to the New Zealand media Staff: “Maybe we can get back in the water tomorrow afternoon, but it’s a bit difficult to say because we may encounter problems in other areas,” he said. The team’s engineers believe that the AC75’s electronic systems are not damaged, nor are the foilsthe fins of the boat that facilitate flight while underway.
There is plenty of room for manoeuvre. Although Team New Zealand is participating in the current Round Robins without scoring points (this way it gains experience and trains competition manoeuvres), its presence will not be significant until the Matchend,from 12 October, where he has a guaranteed place. His rival will be the champion of the Louis Vuitton Cup, the competition currently being held in the sea off Barcelona with the Round Robin, the first phase; a semi-final and the final.
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