Stars & Stripes USA-77, Team Dennis Conner’s newest America’s Cup boat, has flooded and sunk off Long Beach Harbour.

The yacht, which was launched earlier this year, encountered rudder problems in the shaft area while out two-boat training on Monday which allowed water to flood the hull. However, despite the quick crew work and immediate use of onboard pumps and airbags, the yacht was unable to be kept afloat and sunk in 55ft of water near the south entrance of the harbour.

According to a press release on www.stars-stripes.com, none of the 15 crewmembers aboard were ever in danger and no injuries were incurred during the incident.

The incident occured at 1300 while the two 80ft sloops both named Stars & Stripes, tuning up out on the harbour. A large crack was heard and the rudder detached from the hull. Dennis Conner, who was not onboard at the time, commented: “We feel extremely fortunate that no one was hurt. The hull appears to be in good shape and the mast is fully tensioned and does not appear to be damaged,” said Conner.”