Women’s America’s Cup: Canada crashes out after mechanical failure

Concord Pacific Racing’s campaign has ended after the Canadian team retired from racing due to a mechanical failure during the second race of the day at the Puig Women’s America’s Cup yesterday (8 October 2024). After securing fifth place on the first day, the team required a strong performance to stay in contention for the semi-finals.

The event was marked by strong winds and challenging conditions, which contributed to fast-paced racing. Concord Pacific Racing started their first race in a favourable position, rounding the top gate in second place. However, near the bottom mark, the team experienced a nosedive at speeds exceeding 30 knots, narrowly avoiding a capsize. While the crew remained safe, technical issues with the boat’s data screens led to them retiring from the race to prepare for the next one.

Then, in the pre-start of the second race, the team encountered a hydraulic failure, which resulted in the loss of control over the foils, and almost capsizing. The damage was so extensive the regatta will use a different hull in the days ahead.

Team captain Isabella Bertold commented on the incident: “It was a really tough way for us to end the event. We had a first-rate start and were sailing well. An unfortunate mistake on a gybe exit set us back, but we reset, and the boat was working well. Then, in the pre-start, while prepping for a gybe entry, I hit board down as usual, and immediately I thought, ‘We’ve lost part of the boat.’ It felt like we might lose the entire foil. We lost all functions and went with gut instinct to avoid flipping at 40 knots. I’m really proud we safely put the boat down and called for assistance.

“A full technical failure beyond our control was tough to take. After all the work we’ve put in, watching the final races from the sidelines was hard. We were well-prepped for the day, and the conditions were probably some of our favourites as sailors. We wish we could have been out there racing and fighting to move up the leaderboard.”

Starboard trimmer Maura Dewey adds: “I feel frustrated and a bit sad because, like all sailors, I want to leave it out there on the water. I want to race my hardest, and the results are what they are, so to have the day end not through our fault but through a mechanical failure is really frustrating—it feels like unfinished business.

“On the other hand, it’s been incredible to be part of such an amazing regatta and the first-ever [America’s Cup] event for women in sailing. I just hope there’s another chance to go out on an AC40 in the future because it was super fun. They’re incredible boats, and the racing is only going to get better as people get more time on the water.”

These foiling monohulls are some of the fastest in the world, with complex systems and breakages pose a constant risk in such high-level sailing.

Coach Chris Nicholson praised the team: “We haven’t achieved what we wanted at this event, but I’m so proud of this team. You can never fault their effort or dedication. They were still hard at it last night, trying to squeeze everything out of themselves to improve, and that’s been their attitude throughout.

“It’s a difficult way to end a campaign due to mechanical failure, but I’m incredibly impressed with how they handled the situation on the water in such challenging conditions.”

Despite the disappointment of an early exit from the Puig Women’s America’s Cup, the team has left a lasting impression, doubtless inspiring future Canadian sailors.

It is the first time in 173 years of America’s Cup history that a dedicated women’s event has been held.

“We need to take a step back and remember how significant this event is and a lot of credit needs to go to the organisers for putting on an incredible spectacle,” says Bertold. “If I’m an 18-year-old girl sailing in Canada right now, to have the choice between Olympic sailing, SailGP, America’s Cup, or AC40s is super exciting. The hard work we’ve done—and what those before us have done—is paying off, and I’m really excited to see what comes next.”

Dewey also encouraged young sailors: “For other girls sailing in Canada, I would just say take every opportunity that comes your way. There’s a lot of incredible stuff happening now for women in sailing, and it’s only going to grow. Say yes as much as you can, try lots of different boats, and see what happens. For me, it’s been about taking every opportunity I get with both hands, and it’s been really incredible.”

The Artemis Swedish Challenge team dominated the day’s races, securing all four wins and finishing at the top of the leaderboard. Jajo Team DutchSail placed second, with Sail Team BCN securing the final semi-final spot.

Final Group B standings after Fleet Race 8:

Artemis Swedish Challenge – 61 points
Jajo Team DutchSail – 51 points
Sail Team BCN – 44 points
Andoo Team Australia – 39 points
Concord Pacific Racing – 13 points
Team Germany – 10 points