British team out of SailGP regatta in Copenhagen
Watch video of the instant the foiling 50-foot catamaran ran aground.
The British team that was supposed to take part in this weekend’s SailGP regatta in Copenhagen has been confirmed out of the sailing after they ran aground during training yesterday.
Ben Ainslie, co-owner of the team and helmsman aboard the stricken F50 catamaran commented on the incident in an announcement on behalf of the British team:
– We were training right outside the regatta course and unfortunately hit an unmarked rock. We then suffered extensive damage to the starboard rudder and foil.
After trying through the night to get the boat ready for the regatta which starts today, the team finally had to realize that the damage to the boat was too great to repair in time. This means they won’t be seen at the starting line, but the team loves to come back stronger, Ainslie continues:
– Recovery like this hurts, but that’s sport, you’re going to have some moments and the teams that keep their heads up are the ones that come back stronger. That’s what we have to do, adds Ainslie.
Not our day! 🪨 💥 #DenmarkSailGP
— Great Britain SailGP Team (@SailGPGBR) 18 August 2022
Thus, it is up to the seven other converted America’s Cup boats to fight for the victory in Copenhagen. Before the voyage, the Australian boat, helmed by Tom Slingsby, is at the top of the ranking with 29 points. The British are provisionally in second place with 24 points. Then the boats from New Zealand, Canada and Denmark follow in close succession with 24, 22 and 22 points respectively. After this weekend’s regatta, the results list will probably look drastically different. The Danes are favorites to run away with the victory at home.
Follow the regatta her.
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