Russell Coutts does not often react to critics. So a lengthy Facebook post today, defending the SailGP series against criticism that followed the three-boat collision in New York, drew our attention.
The accident at the New York Sail Grand Prix in late May had opened the door to further debate about whether SailGP’s race format is fit for purpose. Critics called for upwind starts. Others proposed specific right-of-way rule changes. Coutts addressed both notions.
On upwind starts, port and starboard tack boats mixing in a 13-boat fleet would create instant chaos at the boundaries, he said, and the reaching format exists for good reason. “Any new sports fan that hasn’t had any experience with sailing, they’ll be confused” by boats heading in opposite directions off the start. The reaching leg, first boat to the mark, is something anyone can follow.
The proposed rule changes fared no better. He ran the numbers: the F50 is nearly 11 metres wide with foils deployed. Avoiding a stricken boat at racing speeds requires a 40 to 45 degree course change regardless of any rule in place. The geometry, in his view, makes the proposals redundant.
On the New York crash itself, he was unambiguous. The cause was a failure to keep a proper lookout. It is a basic requirement under both the racing rules and the international regulations for the prevention of collision at sea, and it was not followed. On this matter, Coutts added that steps will be taken to make sure teams do better.
In rebuffing the criticism, Coutts went on to accuse “a couple of journalists, or so-called journalists,” of deliberately targeting SailGP to benefit the America’s Cup. “The way to enhance the America’s Cup is to improve it, to fix it, to make it better. The way to enhance the America’s Cup is not to bring SailGP down.”
Coutts didn’t go so far as to name any particular outlet or journalist with his comments, but sailing-circle rumours suggest that Coutts’ comments come after the release of a New York post-mortem podcast by The Foil, a new independent sailing media brand launched in 2026, titled “That is not sport,” a phrase that will not have escaped Coutts. Further, Magnus Wheatley of the Rule 69 Substack has written critically about SailGP’s long-term viability while making no secret of his affection for the America’s Cup. Both cover the two series. Both have been prepared to challenge SailGP in ways the established sailing press generally has not.
He finished with a line that said more about his confidence than any statistic could.
“SailGP’s grown too big for that now.”
From a man who normally lets the scoreboard speak, that was a statement.
Boating New Zealand has reached out to Russell to ask him for a direct interview ahead of Halifax; we will update this article when we hear back.
