AMERICA’S CUP HISTORY 1983 - 2013
The Louis Vuitton Cup 2013
Artemis Racing II “Big Blue””
On May 9, 2013, the ARTEMIS Racing AC72 overturned
and capsized at moderate weather, and the catamaran
broke into many components.
The sequence of the accident was very similar to that of
ORACLE in October 2012, only a strong wind and high
waves prevailed at that time.
The Briton and two-time Olympic gold medal winner
Andrew "Bart" Simpson was killed
According to press reports the crew and divers from the
support boats found and freed him under the remains of
hull and trampoline nets after 10 minutes.
The revival attempts after his salvage failed
Apart from Simpsons shocking and tragic death the
accident had two consequences for the team:
•
Artemis Racing had during the 5 Round Robins of the
LVC (July 7 - August 1 2013), no yacht, since the
second Catamaran could not be completed on time.
The grinder Craig Monk with
his protection suit and the
breathing bottle.
•
If at one-of the set days Artemis was not able to race , but the opponent
sailed, he made 1 point.
Ian Murray, Regatta Director of the AC, organized a Safety Committee.
After their analysis of the accident and after consultation with the teams and the
Coast Guard on he issued 22 May, a comprehensive 37 point paper, the
"Safety Recommendations.
These include, for example, recommendations on the protection of the crew, an
electronic paging system, an underwater paging system, brightly marked helmets,
breathing bottles, equipment of the support boats (eg, 1 rescue divers plus a
lifeguard, a defibrillator by boat, etc.) improved communication (Restricted one-
way radio for the rescue forces, etc
There were of course already in safety features, and - training. this
Recommendations were a recapitulation of existing rules with important additions in
coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard.
Notice: (see also the chapter "Foiling" ....)
16 days have been left from her launch on.07/22/2013 and the first race on 08/08/2013 of the LVC semifinals.
