The Tuiga dismasted during the Copa del Rey: end of the season for the Yacht Club de Monaco sailing ship – Video
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Accedi RegistratiThe strong winds broke the main mast of the Tuiga, forcing the crew to stop for the season
The strong winds broke the main mast of the Tuiga, forcing the crew to stop for the season
On Thursday 28 August, on the second day of the Copa del Rey Repsol de Barcos de Epoca, a strong thunderstorm dismasted the “Tuiga”, a sailing ship built in 1908 belonging to Yacht Club Monaco. The incident took place near the island of Aire, on the south-eastern coast of Minorca, Spain.
A sudden gust of wind measuring over 50 knots surprised the crew while they were sailing close-hauled, causing the stay to collapse and, as a consequence, the square-sail mast to break. In the videos shared online, the yacht can be seen struggling in the strong winds and the mast collapsing.
Luckily, nobody was injured. The crew immediately separated the rigging, an important procedure that lightens the hull and allows the ship to safely return to port. This manoeuvre saved the Tuiga from remaining adrift and avoided further structural damage, even in such difficult circumstances.
THE TUIGA, AN ICON OF CLASSIC SAILING
Built in 1908 by well-known naval architect, William Fife III, the Tuiga is considered to be a legend in classic sailing. Commissioned by the King of Spain, Alfonso XIII, as a 15 metre yacht, it was one of the most innovative vessels of the time. From the beginning it won a number of trophies, like the Cowes Week in Solent and Kiel Week in Germany.
After a number of vicissitudes, the Tuiga was lovingly restored to its former glory, becoming the pride and joy of the Yacht Club de Monaco, under the patronage of Prince Albert II. More recently during the Illes Balears Clàssics regatta, it won the “Big Boat Class” award, once again proving its extraordinary competitiveness. The incident in Spain however, is marking a forced stop. The vessel will need to undergo necessary repairs before returning to international racing.
