Oracle AC72, America's Cup yacht, flips

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- An $8 million catamaran, built for the America's Cup yacht race, flipped in San Francisco Bay and was sent by currents into the Pacific Ocean, officials said.

The new Oracle AC72 racing craft, on a training run, dug its bow into the water, flipped and slammed sideways into the bay Tuesday afternoon near the St. Francis Yacht Club. After it drifted across the bay, crews in nine safety boats attempted to tow it back to San Francisco, but it was caught in a current and propelled under the Golden Gate Bridge and into the ocean, the San Francisco Chronicle reported Wednesday.

No one was injured.

"We didn't know what to expect with the new boat," said Oracle team tactician Tom Slingsby. "When the nose went into the water, most of us hung on and then jumped off. Everyone has a few bumps and bruises, but nothing serious."

Oracle team spokeswoman Lisa Ramsperger said crews would attempt to tow the wreckage of the boat to the team's headquarters, Pier 80 in San Francisco, for repairs.

Steven Barclay, chief executive officer of the America's Cup Event Authority, said the Oracle team is preparing a second AC72 boat, but it will not be ready until February.