The US team have narrowly avoided disaster, after capsizing during practice for the Sail GP event in Bermuda.
The team lost control of the F50 catamaran in high winds and tipped on to its port side, as crew tumbled into the water or safety netting below.
Fortunately, none of the sailors suffered serious injury, Sail GP confirms. The extent of the damage to the boat is still being assessed.
The opening race of the event is due to start Sunday morning (NZ time), with New Zealand looking to extend their lead atop the competition standings.
Australia were docked eight competition points for a crash at the last regatta at Christchurch, which was won by the Black Foils.
The penalty - described by Australia skipper Tom Slingsby as "harsh" - dropped the team nine points behind New Zealand.
Any damage to the US boat could deal a huge blow to their hopes of a top-four finish. They currently sit just seven points behind third-placed Spain.
