A collision brought Team New Zealand's to an abrupt halt on the second day of the Extreme Sailing Series regatta at Cardiff.
Team NZ competes in racing off Cardiff, 2014. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Skipper Dean Barker and crew made a good start in the fifth race of the day, rounding the first mark in second and then overtaking the leader.
At the next mark, as Barker recounts, "We had an issue with Alinghi. They were trying to avoid another boat and ploughed into the back of our boat and took off the port rudder."
SAP Extreme was also involved, hitting the team's starboard hull. No one was hurt.
Team New Zealand had to pull out of that race and sit out the following two while repairs were made.
A jury hearing will be held tomorrow morning where culpability will be determined and decide if points will be awarded for the missed races.
Barker says the team feels it has a pretty strong case.
Cardiff standings after Day 2 - 20 races (23.08.14)
Position / Team / Points
1st Alinghi (SUI) 141 points.
2nd The Wave, Muscat (OMA) 139 points.
3rd J.P. Morgan BAR (GBR) 131 points.
4th SAP Extreme Sailing Team (DEN) 120 points.
5th Realteam by Realstone (SUI) 113 points.
6th Oman Air (OMA) 106 points
7th Red Bull Sailing Team (AUT) 91 points.
8th Gazprom Team Russia (RUS) 87 points.
9th Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL) 75 points.
10th GAC Pindar (AUS) 67 points.
11th Groupama sailing team (FRA) 33 points.
