WATCH: ETNZ suffers epic capsize in America’s Cup practice

Internet pundits are hypothesising the causes of Emirates Team New Zealand’s epic capsize this morning during a practice session. All four teams were out getting in a few more training laps ahead of the Prada Cup Challenger Series which starts on Friday 15th January.

Some commentators are blaming the helicopter seen overhead, and seemingly creating a downdraft.

“Those guys should have kept well away,” says one. “Too eager for a shot and careless of the guys beneath them.”

“Pushing the limits something has to give, and at speed an interesting result when the downdraft of the chopper is ever slightly too close,” agrees another. “Lesson learned the hard way! More airspace needed fellas!!”

But, according to ETNZ: “We got a little too high in the gybe and stopped pretty quick. Full credit to the design of these boats that they are still in one piece.

“We’ve talked about this a lot, and practiced it. The boat’s upright and should be ready to sail again.

“Obviously the capsize wasn’t ideal, but it’s a fantastic opportunity to really push ourselves.”

Meanwhile, according to Live Sail Die who are on site, the British challenging team are looking much stronger. “They were much more competitive and led off the line by a good margin.

“It looked like they had one of their older foils on the port side,” the sailing channel says, although the changes which the team has made hasn’t been confirmed.

“I think they’ve got a new mast, but I’m not sure. It’s a complete new boat out there.”

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