Source: Radio New Zealand
Sir Russell Coutts admits the smaller fleet drew mixed reviews from sailors. Alan Lee/Photosport
SailGP boss Sir Russell Coutts has confirmed this weekend’s split-fleet experiment will become the norm next year, when the professional fleet grows to 14 teams, but reaction from teams is divided.
New Zealand SailGP off Auckland’s Wynyard Point was marred by a crash that put the Black Foils and France out of the event – and probably more to come – and raised questions about the safety of having 13 boats charging off a start line together at high speed.
Sailors from both teams were hospitalised, with Kiwi grinder Louis Sinclair suffering compound fractures on both legs and French strategist Manon Audinet being assessed for abdominal bruising, after being thrown forward on impact and breaking the boat’s steering wheel.
In response, organisers decided to divide the fleet in two for Sunday’s racing to reduce the risk of more mayhem.
“We’ve been trialling that format for a while now, because we are going to that format next year for all racing,” Sir Russell said.
“It doesn’t really affect that situation that happened yesterday, because they were sailing in a straight line and it could happen with two boats in a match race.
“What it does remove is the congestion at the bottom mark gate and sometimes at the top mark gate. It just means less boats on the racecourse, particularly when they’re going in opposite directions, and particularly when it’s gusty and the course of the boats is varying a lot.
“In reality, it probably wouldn’t make much difference on the first leg of the course.”
Black Foils and France come together during racing off Wynyard Point. Felix Diemer for SailGP
Drivers provided varying reviews of the smaller fields, with some insisting they preferred the bigger fleet, while others relished the ability to sail without their heads on a constant swivel, checking for impending danger.
One of those not convinced was NZ-born Italy driver Phil Robertson, who actually predicted the reduction before it happened.
“I think it was what the sailors wanted and it was the reasonable thing to do, but the spectacle was compromised a bit,” he said. “It will probably get a heavy review and we’ll definitely have some suggestions on how to make the racing a little safer with all the boats on the course, because I think it’s good to have everyone out there.”
Sir Russell acknowledged the feedback was mixed.
“Some of them like the bigger fleet and there’s competitive elements to that too,” he said. “Some think they start better in the bigger fleet, some think they’re better in a small fleet.
“It’s competitive sport and you have to balance the politics with the real desire to make it a safer situation. That’s the role of the league to step in and say we think it’s going to provide safe racing by splitting the fleet in certain conditions, so we did it today.
“Once we grow to seven-and-seven, then eight-and-eight, split fleet will be absolutely fine. We weren’t planning on doing it this weekend, but clearly, with the conditions, it was the prudent thing to do.
“Ultimately, if it’s a question of safety over visual experience, clearly safety has to govern that decision.”
Coutts’ ultimate vision is for a 20-team championship, with split fleets of 10 boats.
Because the French were not at fault, their boat will be repaired first and, ironically, that may entail using the salvageable parts of the New Zealand boat to replace damage to the French boat.
The Black Foils were docked eight event points for causing the impact and presumably driver Peter Burling will incur more demerit points on his new licence, on top of the three he earned in a collision with Switzerland at Perth last month.
“There is a new boat under construction in Southampton, but I checked last night and that’s not due to be completed until June,” Sir Russell said. “Eventually, the league will have two spare boats, so if you had a situation like that, they would race the next day in a different boat.
“We’re not at that level yet. We’re still a relatively new sports property and we’ve got to get to that point.
The French boat will be repaired before the Kiwis, because they weren’t at fault for the incident. James Gourley for SailGP
“I think the reality is they’re out of the season standings now. Realistically, they’re not going to score any points for the first three events at least and they’re going to get some penalty points.
“They’re obviously one of the top teams in the league and it’s a tragedy that it’s happened to them, but that’s sport. Sometimes you get the unexpected and unwanted situations, but they’re a good team and they’ll come back.”
Meanwhile, Coutts confirmed Auckland would likely be retained on the SailGP calendar, despite delays in formalising a hosting agreement next year.
He admitted the hold-up was a clash with Ocean Race round-the-world event, which will also stop in Auckland early next year.
“Everyone’s super-enthusiastic, including SailGP. We’ve agreed all the major terms, the financial terms to have it here long term.
“The one stumbling block is the Ocean Race, which has an agreement prohibiting other events within 5km of their race. They are saying they don’t want SailGP at this point, but I think eventually, they will realise it’s a win for everyone to have both events here.
“I think it’s a win for Auckland City and both events. We’re restricted in our shipping dates, so we can make the event before and the event after.”
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand