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All team members were rescued unharmed
Photo: GILLES MARTIN-RAGET / AFP
Difficult conditions caused dramatic scenes on the third day of the America's Cup challenger series off Auckland.
Shortly before the finish, the American Magic (USA) team capsized with their first victory in mind.
At the last turning point, the American boat overturned in a duel with Luna Rossa (Italy) in a strong gust of wind.
All team members were recovered unharmed, but the multi-million dollar yacht looked severely damaged.
Buoyancy aids were needed to prevent sinking.
The chaos on Sunday was in stark contrast to the racing action the day before, when the teams often couldn't move with little wind.
Ineos Team UK around British sailing icon Ben Ainslie was still in the lead with four wins from four races.
Rossa has had two successes so far, American Magic is still without a win.
The challenger races, officially called the Prada Cup, run until February 22nd.
From February 13, only two teams will be dueling for the right to challenge the defending champions New Zealand in the America's Cup match from March 6.
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