Yacht Sinks at Trofeo SM La Reina Rolex Cup - News and Video

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.

The accident happened when the yachts TAU Andalusia and CAM were beating into the wind, fighting to reach the mark. In fairly gentle conditions, CAM suddenly started taking water over and into its bow. The crew of TAU Andalusia attempted to help the crew of the CAM, who were frantically trying to control the flow of the water, but it was a losing battle, and in the end the boat sunk into the sea, with just a few feet of mast showing when it touched bottom.

Fernando Leon of CAM described the sequence of events that took place: "We were sailing on port tack, hard to wind. For some strange reason, probably material fatigue, the bow stay burst - the amount of water entering the boat was enormous. In a couple minutes half the boat was under the water." Fernando said that they'll be trying to find out the causes, but that it was simply impossible to avoid sinking because of the rate of the flooding.

Regarding the efforts by all to save CAM, Leon made a point to say "I would like to thank from my heart the entire crew who made an enormous effort to save the boat, even risking their lives, as well as the crew of TAU Andalusia, the boats of the Race Committee, Red Cross and Maritime Salvage." Though the attempts failed, he points out that "the most important thing is that there have been no personal injuries."

Following the drama on the sailing course, Her Majesty Queen Sofia and His Royal Highness Prince Felipe presented the regatta prizes at the Real Club Nautical of Valencia.

-- Winners of the Trofeo SM La Reina Rolex Cup --
Near Miss - GP42
TAU Andalusia - TP52
Telephone one - ORC 570
Navantia - ORC 670
Jazz - X-35
Ítaca IX - RN 1
South GD the Campello - RN 2
Fandango - 3 RN
Nexus Two - RN Club
Loafer to Moviestar - Platú 25

-YC for YachtPals

Sailing Video: The yacht CAM sinking during the Trofeo SM La Reina Rolex Cup in Spain.