The SailGP family was in for a shock after the first day of racing at the KPMG Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia. According to the first press release, a "severe weather event" caused considerable damage to the wing sails of the F50 catamarans. At least one boat was also severely damaged in heavy squalls. Initial images show the extent of the devastation caused. The SailGP statement went on to say: "As far as we know, nobody was seriously injured." As a result of the damage, SailGP had to cancel the races for the second day of the event in Sydney.
A full assessment of the damage was said to be underway. It quickly became clear that subsequent SailGP events would probably also have to be postponed. This could affect the upcoming regatta from 19 to 20 March in New Zealand and the season finale on 6 and 7 May in San Francisco. The organisers intend to announce more information as soon as it is available.
Tom Slingsby's Team Australia leads the season standings ahead of Team New Zealand and Ben Ainslie's Team Emirates GBR. Up-and-coming France with helmsman Quentin Delapierre is breathing down the Brits' necks, just one point behind. The French led after day one of the regatta in Sydney ahead of the USA and Australia. How the results will be assessed after the involuntary cancellation of the regatta remains to be seen.
