Sad end...

ORACLE TEAM USA, winner of the 34th America’s Cup, and Boeing [NYSE: BA] are collaborating to recycle 7,000 pounds (about 3,175 kilograms) of carbon fiber of USA-71, a yacht built for the America’s Cup campaign in 2003. The hull and mast of the racing yacht will be processed and repurposed, a first-of-its-kind effort for what will likely be the largest carbon structure ever recycled.

“The introduction of composites in yacht construction was a major step in our sport. The materials and processes have continued to evolve, allowing us to build the high-tech, high-speed AC72 catamarans raced in this year’s America’s Cup,” said Chris Sitzenstock, ORACLE TEAM USA logistics. “Now, we have the ability to work with Boeing to take the next steps in composite recycling, and to help reduce our environmental footprint. We will also look to recycle carbon components remaining from the build of our yachts.”

Through these processes, Boeing and ORACLE TEAM USA expect to gather data about the mechanical properties, costs and time flows to recycle sailing-grade composite materials in comparison to aerospace-grade and automobile-grade composites. The companies have not determined the post-recycling use of the yacht’s carbon fiber, but potential end uses include consumer and industrial products.

USA-71 facts:

• Launched in June 2002
• First America’s Cup Class yacht built by ORACLE TEAM USA for training during the 2003 campaign
• Boat was a corporate symbol in front of Oracle Corp. headquarters for 6 years
• Total hull weight: 2.5 tons
• Weight of composites to be recycled: 7,000 lbs. (about 3,175 kg)
• Length: 25.2 meters (84 feet)
• Width: 3.8 meters (12 feet)
• Height of the mast: 32 meters (105 feet)
• Weight of the bulb: 19 tons
• Sail surface area: 325 m² upwind, 750 m² downwind