A narrow escape for Alinghi sailmakers in gale force winds
Note: According to sources in Valencia's Port Authority, we have had an average windspeed of approximately 40 knots throughout Thursday with gusts peaking at 62 knots (probably the ones that, unfortunately, blew Alinghi's tent off).
[Source: Alinghi] Alinghi's 1,000m2 temporary sail repair tent in the outer Dársena of Valencia was blown over and destroyed in winds gusting up to 60 knots this morning. Thankfully no one was inside at the time and there were no injuries in the accident, but with gale force winds averaging 40knots anticipated throughout the day the team is taking safety precautions to batten down the other temporary facilities at the Alinghi base in the Dársena (just inland a gust of 80knots was measured!).
“The weather pattern here in Valencia at this time of the year is so far removed from the ideal conditions that we were experiencing in Ras Al Khaimah for these types of boats. Let’s hope the weather settles down for the racing!” said Ian Pattison who manages the sails.
“Just moments before the tent lifted off in what appeared to be a 60 knot gust we were working in the sail tent checking sails in preparation for sailing tomorrow. I decided that in the interest of our own safety we should vacate the area. It was just moments later that the tent took off. We were extremely fortunate that there was no one inside the tent at this time as someone would almost certainly have been seriously injured or even killed,” he added.
“I’d like to thank the emergency services for their assistance with securing the area and we will be all hands to the pumps to get the facility rebuilt as soon as the wind drops a bit.”
Alinghi is currently preparing its catamaran to go sailing in Valencia and is looking forward to racing the 33rd America’s Cup Match on 8 February.
Alinghi's temporary sail tent, before the collapse. Valencia, 11 January 2010. Photo copyright Pierre Orphanidis / Valencia SailingLabels: 33rd America's Cup
12 Comments:
Valencia in February - what a wouderful place to sail...
Karma
good day to get new sails from switzerland...
Hooooouuuu... is it DOG compliant? From where come that wind ? USA, Switzerland or even Sri Lanka !!!!
There a spanish said for this: "Al perro chico todo son pulgas"
With a conventional mast it should be very difficult to manage 60 knots but imagine with a Wing !!!!!!
RAK was not a so bad venue for this kind of boats, how to guarantee it won't append again through the next 4 to 6 weeks
This would not have happened in RAK. Still think VLC is safe in Feb???
shame it wasn't Oracles construction tent in the commercial port - hope their epoxy resin still cures in the cold weather.
First, good thing no one was hurt. Second, lol. Third, the AC is suppose to be contested by the best of the best sailors. They shouldn't give a shit what the weather is like in Valencia. They should be able to handle whatever comes up. If not, well they aren't the best are they?
3:51
Don't underestmate these guys tosser.
You guys relax ... It's only a matter of hours. We are still in January, in 4 weeks things will get much better, and we all will enjoy a fantastic race. And tomorrow Alinghi will put his cat on the water and will rig her. Smile, you are in Valencia (not in Sharjah)...
thanks god nobody got hurt.
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