Young America Damaged in Boatyard Accident

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME - The IACC yacht Young America, USA-36, was damaged in a boatyard accident yesterday when the crane that was hoisting it became unbalanced.

The keel bulb of Young America hit the ground and snapped off. Along with the bulb, a three-foot section of the port topsides of the boat was damaged. A complete structural evaluation is underway.

During the accident, Young America bumped NZL-39, the former TAG Heuer, while it sat in an adjacent cradle, causing minor damage to its transom. The rig was not in either boat at the time. NZL-39 will be sailing as scheduled later this week.

"While unfortunate, this temporary setback will not impede our summer testing program," said John Marshall, President, Young America, the New York Yacht Club Challenge. "We will expedite repairs to the boats and complete this summer's two-boat testing program as planned."