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Posted: Tuesday November 3, 2009 5:12PM; Updated: Tuesday November 3, 2009 5:12PM

America's Cup challenger dismasts during test

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SAN DIEGO (AP) -- America's Cup challenger BMW Oracle Racing's 90-foot trimaran has dismasted while undergoing testing on the Pacific Ocean.

Syndicate spokeswoman Jane Eagleson said none of the crew were injured when the 200-foot mast came down late Tuesday morning. She didn't have any other details of the mishap.

Support crews were attempting to salvage the rigging. Eagleson said she didn't know where the mast broke. The spar is big enough to support a 6,800-foot mainsail and 6,700-square foot Genoa.

The carbon-fiber mast is estimated to have cost $10 million. The syndicate, scheduled to meet defending champion Alinghi of Switzerland in February, has two other masts.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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