Peter Burling’s Emirates Team New Zealand pitch-poled at high-speed moments after the start, the bows digging in and boat tumbling forward, its sterns in the air, three crew pitched into the water, the rest hanging on in the cockpits.
Their opposition in the race, Land Rover BAR, immediately slowed and skipper Ben Ainslie ordered his chase boat to offer assistance.
“All crew accounted for.” With those words, the America’s Cup community and sailing fans worldwide breathed a sigh of relief.
After staying bow down, with sterns in the air for several minutes, the Emirates Team New Zealand boat fell onto its side, allowing the team to pull it upright.
The implications for the Louis Vuitton America’s Cup Playoffs aren’t yet clear. The race was awarded to Land Rover BAR, meaning Peter Burling’s Kiwis are still up 3-1 on Ainslie’s Land Rover BAR.