SailGP: Video and images from inside Technical Base as 50kt squall hits during de-rigging
by SailGP/Sail-World.com/nz 19 Feb 2023 05:31 PST
20 February 2023
View of the aftermath of the storm at the technical area following racing on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix © Ricardo Pinto/SailGP
Video from the Day 1 and 2 of KPMG Australia SailGP Sydney, when the Technical Base was struck by a 50kt squall and sudden change in wind direction as the Canadian F50 was being de-rigged.
This video shot by the SailGP media team shows the spectacular power of the storm, as it caught the Canadian wingsail, with the counterweight and turned it into a wrecking ball striking and collapsing two of the storage facilities.
The video does not detail the damage, however a grim-faced SailGP CEO Russell Coutts said that the next event in Christchurch would go ahead. A statement on the SailGP website says "A full assessment will now be carried out to determine a full inventory and what this means for future events. However all efforts will be made to continue the season as scheduled."
Video from the Day 1 and 2 of KPMG Australia SailGP Sydney, when the Technical Base was struck by a 50kt squall and sudden change in wind direction as the Canadian F50 was being derigged, and a full replay of the Day 1 racing - the most spectacular day yet in three seasons of SailGP.
Key questions answered from the SailGP website:
A major weather incident at the end of racing on Saturday resulted in significant damage to the wing sails and at least one boat at the SailGP technical site. This forced SailGP to cancel the second day of racing on Sydney Harbour to allow a full assessment of damage to take place.
Further information will be released as it becomes available.
What happened?
Following the conclusion of racing on Saturday, a major weather incident caused significant damage to the wing sails and at least one boat at SailGP’s tech site.
Was anyone injured?
Thankfully no-one was seriously injured during the incident. SailGP is currently investigating the situation and cooperating with all relevant agencies. The technical site has now been safely secured and a full assessment is underway.
How severe is the damage?
Now the site is secured, SailGP is carrying out a full assessment of the damage to the boats and equipment. After an initial review, it’s clear that there was significant damage to the wing sails across the fleet and at least one boat. Six boats remained moored on the water and are relatively unscathed.
Should craning have taken place during the forecast?
SailGP works closely with local experts and has extensive in-house knowledge of the forecast. We had a window to crane the boats and, with the advice received, proceeded to do so.
Do the points still count from the first day of racing?
Yes, only one fleet race is needed to produce an event winner. Therefore the France SailGP Team is the official winner of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney.
Will the broadcast take place today?
SailGP’s global broadcast will still go ahead in the scheduled broadcast window on Sunday (See video above). This will cover the first day of racing action - which resulted in France winning the event - and the major weather event that happened yesterday.
How likely is it that the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix and the Season 3 Grand Final in San Francisco will go ahead?
A full assessment will now be carried out to determine a full inventory and what this means for future events. However, all efforts will be made to continue the season as scheduled.