"We’ve got the win, but it’s obviously a weird day for everyone." – Spanish skipper Diego Botin

New York Sail Grand Prix Hit by Gusts, Damage, and Scoring Confusion

Saturday’s racing at the New York Sail Grand Prix was thrown into chaos by strong, gusty winds, leading to a limited fleet, damaged boats, and confusion over race scoring.

Disrupted Schedule and Limited Fleet

Due to hazardous conditions, race organizers made the call to prioritize safety. Only four of the twelve F50 catamarans were launched—Australia, Britain, Spain, and the U.S. —based on their current season standings. The remaining eight teams were forced to sit out the day's racing.

On-the-Water Results

Three races were held in the challenging conditions. Britain took the win in the first race, but Spain dominated the next two.

However, organizers initially announced that Saturday's races would not count toward the overall season standings. This decision created significant confusion, with British skipper Dylan Fletcher later stating he had believed the racing was valid for the championship.

Damage Report: Australia Nosedives

The Australian team, Bonds Flying Roos, suffered a dramatic nosedive into the Hudson River. The impact caused damage to the front crossbeam and the port-side foil case. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. The team’s ability to race on Sunday is contingent on overnight repairs.

A Celebrity Appearance

In a lighter moment, actor Ewan McGregor (Obi-Wan Kenobi) joined the British boat after the races concluded. Fletcher reported that McGregor enjoyed the experience.

Looking Ahead to Sunday

Sunday racing will be scored, promising a full day of competition. However, the forecast calls for lighter winds, which could introduce new challenges for the fleet, particularly with strong river currents in play.