Breaking news: Siemens TP52 dismasts at Hyères Trophy

The TP52 Siemens boat broke its mast in the first beat of today's third race at the Hyères Torphy in France. This unfortunate accident that puts a sad end to the 2007 Medcup circuit for the Argentinian boat. Obviously, the team's aspirations to a podium place in the 2007 circuit vanish in the thin air.

Nevertheless, the Siemens TP52 team will work round the clock in order to be ready for the Rolex TP 52 Global Championship in Sardinia in 10 days.

Here is the complete photo sequence of the breakage, courtesy of Spain's leading sailing photographer, Nico Martinez, and Jaume Soler, press officer of the Siemens TP52 team.

Siemens TP52 dismasts during the second day of the Hyères trophy. Hyères, 12 September 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez

Siemens TP52 dismasts during the second day of the Hyères trophy. Hyères, 12 September 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez

Siemens TP52 dismasts during the second day of the Hyères trophy. Hyères, 12 September 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez

Siemens TP52 dismasts during the second day of the Hyères trophy. Hyères, 12 September 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez

Siemens TP52 dismasts during the second day of the Hyères trophy. Hyères, 12 September 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez

Siemens TP52 dismasts during the second day of the Hyères trophy. Hyères, 12 September 2007. Photo copyright Nico Martinez