capsize

We've noticed that a lot of non-sailors, lake sailors, and coastal sailors are coming to YachtPals to learn more about ocean sailing, and particularly ocean racing. With the Volvo Ocean Race underway and Vendee Globe race coming up, we realized that there were a few general concepts many are unclear about, and we thought that we could make things a bit more understandable for our readers with a brief glossary.

Valencia, Spain - The Trofeo S.M. La Reina Rolex Cup ended with a bang off the Valencia coast this weekend, when the TransPac 52 yacht CAM sank on the last day of competition. Despite all efforts, CAM plummeted to the ocean floor in just a few minutes, in 16 knots of wind and moderate chop. Thus the fleet of 134 boats competing in this sailing regatta saw an unusually dramatic conclusion to what was otherwise three days of great yacht racing.

Hyères, France - As the fleet of Extreme 40's prepare for tomorrow's second leg of the iShares cup, thoughts are on yesterday's capsize of Holmatro and today's capsize of TEAM ORIGIN, and what these calamities predict for tomorrow's racing. There is, after all, a reason these boats are called "Extreme."

Lake Lugano, Switzerland - Alinghi claims the first capsize of the iShares Cup season in a big rain squall on Lake Lugano, as Shirley Robertson scores the first win.

In 20 plus knot winds, and with a lumpy Atlantic swell, the 60ft trimaran Foncia capsized off Lorient France this morning with Alinghi sailors onboard. Of the 10 crew onboard, Piet van Niekerk and Francesco Rapetti were airlifted to hospital, both are safe and with no serious injuries.