On a quest for a Offshore world championship racing title, the Gasse offshore racing team which was piloting their 48′ Marine Technology catamaran was hit hard by apart failure that nearly sank the multi-million dollar boat. As reported by the team mechanic an adjustable water pick up failed due to a poor design. As the water pick up broke it sent hundreds of gallons of ocean salt water rushing into the engine compartment.
Some fast action from team throttleman John Tomlinson who got into the engine compartment and was able to slow the leak long enough to get the boat to the crane to get the boat lifted out and to safety. The salt water intrusion caused major concern for the race team which opted to change out the nearly $400,000 worth of engines to prepare for the next day’s events.
