America's Cup: Brits suffer foil damage in collision with Alingi chase boat
by GB1 and Sail-World.com/nz 23 Sep 01:49 BST
GB1 suffered damage over a 22cm length of the leading edge of their starboard Foil Arm - September 22, 2026 © GB1
GB1's AC40 race boat sustained damage after colliding with a Tudor Team Alinghi chase boat during training on the Bay of Naples, ahead of the second Preliminary Regatta of the Louis Vuitton 38th America's Cup.
GB1 is the sailing team of the Royal Yacht Squadron Ltd, Challenger of Record for the 38th America's Cup.
The incident occurred on the race course as GB1 was setting up for its first practice start of the series, training alongside the nine other AC40s. In the ensuing contact, GB1 suffered damage significant enough to force the team to abandon the session and return to shore for assessment.
All sailors aboard GB1's AC40, as well as all personnel on the Tudor Team Alinghi chase boat, were reported safe and accounted for after the incident. GB1's starboard helm, Dylan Fletcher, sustained a minor facial injury but did not require urgent medical attention.
The AC40 returned to base, where the shore crew and structural specialists inspected the yacht to determine the extent of the damage and the implications for GB1's participation in the upcoming regatta schedule.
A 22 cm-long section of the Foil Arm was damaged in the incident; it did not appear to be structural and should be repairable overnight, or a new foil arm can be substituted. All parts on the AC40 are one design and are interchangeable.