The opening practice races for the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney have already set the bar high for drama, with a series of breathtaking incidents unfolding before official racing begins this weekend. From capsizes and collisions to near-misses on the water, these practice rounds highlighted the sheer unpredictability of high-speed foiling catamarans racing at over 90 km/h. With the first official race just days away, the action is already heating up, and it’s clear that this year’s SailGP season is bound to be one of the most thrilling yet.
The US F50 capsizes before practice racing even begins
It wasn’t just the competition on the water that had everyone talking after the first day of practice racing. The United States team’s F50 made an unfortunate early exit before the day even truly began. As the US F50 was being towed towards the racecourse, disaster struck. The boat capsized, resulting in significant damage to its wing sail, which ultimately prevented the team from participating in practice racing.
This early setback for the Americans put a damper on their day but underscored the inherent risks of sailing at such high speeds. The F50 catamarans, designed for extreme performance, demand near-perfect conditions and precision from their teams, and even the smallest mistake can lead to a catastrophic failure. As teams now brace for the upcoming races, the US crew will need to regroup quickly to avoid further setbacks.
Dramatic close calls and a capsize for ROCKWOOL DENMARK
Once the fleet got under way, things quickly escalated with tight manoeuvres, high speeds, and a crowded racecourse. The first practice race saw Australia dominate from the start, with the home team showcasing their skillful tactics, taking the inside line at the first mark and pulling ahead of the pack. With speeds topping 90 km/h, it was clear that this year’s fleet is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on the water.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A major incident occurred when ROCKWOOL DEN, Denmark’s entry, lost control while battling for position with the New Zealand F50. As the two boats fought for space, ROCKWOOL DEN came dangerously close to capsizing right on top of the New Zealand boat. Fortunately, the crew managed to regain control, narrowly avoiding disaster. It was a tense moment for the sailors involved, with both teams showing incredible skill in avoiding a collision or worse.
The intensity of the race continued as France’s team also faced issues, suffering a hard nosedive on the final approach to the finish line. The French team, still getting to grips with the new T-Foils, had to quickly recover from the nosedive, but the damage to their momentum was done.
Australia’s flawless performance and some surprise retirements
Despite the tense moments, it was Australia, New Zealand, and Germany who crossed the finish line first in the opening practice race, with the Australians putting in a particularly commanding performance. However, the race wasn’t without its share of retirements. Red Bull Italy, Switzerland, France, and the United States all opted to retire from the practice session, their teams having faced enough issues to put an early end to their day.
In the second fleet race, Australia again showed their speed and tactical prowess, recording an impressive top speed of 97 km/h on the reach to Mark 1. But, as quickly as they took the lead, Australia’s F50 made a maneuvering mistake at the fourth gate, falling off the foils and handing the advantage to Emirates GBR. The British team capitalised on the opportunity, converting their lead into a race win, with Spain and NorthStar Canada rounding out the top finishers.
For Australia, the slip-up was a reminder of just how quickly the tides can turn in SailGP. With such high-stakes competition, a single mistake can prove costly, and all teams are acutely aware of the margin for error.
Germany and Mubadala Brazil collide in the third race
The final practice race of the day turned out to be the most dramatic, with a major collision between Germany and Mubadala Brazil. Germany, in a risky manoeuvre, infringed upon the Brazilians, cutting across their path and colliding with the bow of the Brazilian F50. The collision caused significant damage to the front of Mubadala Brazil’s boat, further highlighting the danger of these fast-paced races. The Brazilians, who had made a strong start and were chasing NorthStar Canada at the first mark, were left to nurse the damage while the Germans continued on their way.
The incident stirred up talk about the competitive nature of SailGP and the fine line between pushing for position and crossing the line into dangerous sailing. While no crew members were injured, it served as a stark reminder of the risks involved in high-speed racing on the water.
Meanwhile, France once again suffered another hard nosedive, a familiar sight for the French crew, who have been working to master the new T-Foils. With these setbacks, the French team will need to regroup and refine their strategy ahead of the official racing.
Australia claimed victory in the final practice race, followed closely by Emirates GBR and ROCKWOOL DEN. For the rest of the fleet, it was a mixed bag of results, with some teams opting to retire, while others showed flashes of brilliance.
Looking ahead to the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix
As the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix kicks off officially on February 8 and 9, the practice races have already provided a glimpse into the high-stakes drama that will unfold. With tight competition and high-speed catamarans pushing the limits of performance, fans can expect an exciting weekend of racing on the waters of Sydney Harbour.
While the practice sessions have undoubtedly set the stage for a thrilling season, they have also underscored how challenging SailGP can be. Teams will need to remain at the top of their game to navigate the treacherous waters ahead, where a single misstep could mean the difference between victory and disaster.
As the fleet prepares for the official races, all eyes will be on the sailors as they battle for supremacy in one of the most competitive and high-profile events in the sailing world. Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a newcomer to the sport, the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix promises to deliver unforgettable moments on the water.
