America’s Cup Yacht Loses Mast In Trial

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30225, 2 September 1963, Page 17

America’s Cup Yacht Loses Mast In Trial

(N.Z. Press Association —Copyright)

WEYMOUTH, August 31 The 85ft mast of Britain’s America's Cup challenger. Sovereign, snapped off in a race today in Weymouth Bay. Her owner, a London businessman. Mr A. Boyden, and his skipper. Mr G. Merriott. were both thrown overboard. They were taken to hospital with shock but discharged later. The £ 40,000 yacht was towed into Weymouth harbour.

The Sovereign was racing with a former America s Cup challenger. Sceptre when the aluminium alloy mast snapped off just above the deck. It is understood that tomorrow's racing will now be abandoned. Commander J. Brooks, who was aboard the Sovereign, said: ”We were on the starboard tack when a metal fitting broke. Just before the mast crashed down I was able to bear away so that it did not hit anybody.

“The crew jumped to th* side of the boat and that was when Mr Boyden and Mr Merriott went into the water,'' Commander Brooks said.

The accident occurred during the second run of the day

The Sovereign had beaten the Sceptre on the first run, and was leading in the second. There was a force five wind blowing, and it was very good sailing weather. Mr Boyden said tonight; "Although this means a serious setback to our trial., we will press on with them as soon as we can

"Before the mishap I was very pleased with the way the Sovereign was going under her new sails. It was definitely her best performance to date, ’’There is no question of withdrawing from the America's Cup challenge.”