Team New Zealand skipper's wife tells of dramatic moments watching boat capsize

Fans watch as Team NZ capsizes. Photo / Dana Johannsen

Mel Ashby has recounted the dramatic moment she watched her husband and Team New Zealand's skipper fight for control of their America's Cup boat just before it capsized.

Glenn Ashby managed to remain in the stricken vessel after a spectacular nosedive seconds before the start of this morning's second Team New Zealand race against Ben Ainslie Racing.

Mel and members of her family were onshore in Bermuda watching the showdown in strong winds conditions that had already caused early dramas.

"Initially it took a minute to process," Mel Ashby said as she and other crew members' families and friends watched in horror as the moment unfolded.

"It happened so quickly. Then when the kids recognised (what was happening) ... there are some dads out there, and friends.

"But everybody quickly reassured them that everyone was OK. That's always a relief."

Mel Ashby was reluctant to criticise Cup organisers for allowing racing when it was clear all competitors were struggling to cope with the conditions.

"I'm a family member so I'm probably not the right one to ask," she told the Herald's Dana Johannsen onshore in Bermuda.

"It was within the wind range and I suppose they're the rules.

"(But ) nearly every boat has broken something today.

"I don't think we can take for granted that we've got guys out there sailing and you need to be careful of people's safety.

"But it was within the sailing range so you can't argue with the rules."

Glenn Ashby, the official skipper of Team NZ despite Peter Burling being on the helm, was performing the role of trimmer when the spectacular spill happened.

He wasn't pitched out of the boat like other crew members.

Mel Ashby forecast a long night ahead for Team NZ.

"For the guys, when something like this happens, it's a night of hard work ahead," she said.