American around-the-world sailboat damaged, needs new foils

By JIMMY GOLEN
AP Sports Writer

The American boat in the The Ocean Race sustained cracks in both foils during the second leg of the around-the-world competition and has asked for permission to replace them. The next leg is a 12,750-nautical mile run to Itajai, Brazil. It’s the longest leg in the history of the event. 11th Hour Racing Team skipper Charlie Enright says heading into the Southern Ocean for a month with two damaged foils “would be foolhardy and not a risk that I am prepared to take.” Foils are curved appendages protruding from the hull that lift the boat above the waves in certain conditions to reduce drag and make it sail faster. They have been incorporated into the America’s Cup and other major sailing races but are being used for the first time in The Ocean Race.