SRF Meteo: Lightning Strike Causes Chaos at America's Cup Event

The recent America's Cup showcased a dramatic and dangerous twist as a bolt of lightning struck alarmingly close to the competing yachts off the coast of Barcelona. The incident during the second race of the day between Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa prompted officials to halt the event for safety reasons.

After the powerful thunderclap that followed the lightning, all sailboats were swiftly ordered back to the harbor. According to Team New Zealand’s skipper, Peter Burling, the situation was startling but they were not caught off guard, having trained for similar emergencies.

Had the lightning hit one of their tall carbon masts, the damage could have been catastrophic, risking the crew's safety and their multi-million dollar vessel. Fortunately, the unique design of sailing boats provided a safeguard, but crucial electronics and equipment could have been severely affected, jeopardizing the team's campaign.

In contrast, the Alinghi team from Switzerland achieved an important victory that day, further complicating the competition’s landscape. With both teams now having equal points, a decisive race looms on the horizon. The uncertainty of the upcoming challenges and the intensity of the competition emphasize the unpredictability of the America's Cup.