US SailGP team skipper hits out at decision to keep two teams off the water
by Laura Muma / US SailGP team 2 Jun 2024 21:06 PDT
June 1-2, 2024
USA SailGP Team helmed by Taylor Canfield in action during a practice session ahead ahead of the Rockwool SailGP Canada - Halifax - May 2024 © Simon Bruty/SailGP
Due to a delay in operations after morning high winds, SailGP did not complete craning operations in time to put all 10 boats in the water, resulting in no racing for the United States SailGP Team and Switzerland SailGP Team on Day 2 of the Rockwool Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax.
According to the official SailGP league statement, “While every effort has been made to have all 10 teams on the start line, in these challenging circumstances, SailGP has made the difficult decision to prioritize teams in order of event standings following the first day of racing.”
U.S. SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley disagreed with the process.
“We are incredibly frustrated by the whole situation,” said Buckley. “Safety of course is a top priority and while the earlier crane-in delay was warranted due to the windy conditions, I take issue with the league’s decision on craning order and deciding to race without all 10 teams which to my knowledge is unprecedented. Eight of 10 teams were able to be launched. The U.S. and Swiss – two privately owned teams – should not have been penalized.”
“We didn't come here to watch the racing in our team base; we came here to race,” Buckley continued. “Right now, our learning curve is massively steep and every minute on the water is huge for us. We will regroup and be ready to go in a few weeks in NYC.”
Halifax delivered some of the most exciting racing to date in SailGP. The gusty winds produced many near misses and even the Australia SailGP Team capsized [all athletes safe; boat damaged being assessed.]. In the three boat final, Emirates GBR Team emerged victorious, followed by France and Denmark.
SailGP turns next to the U.S. leg of the tour, with the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix up next June 22-23; followed by the season finale in San Francisco July 13-14.
About the US SailGP team: Energized by prestigious new owners and investors across U.S. professional sports, entertainment and technology, the U.S. SailGP Team is led by co-owners Ryan and Margaret McKillen, and Mike Buckley as CEO. Seven-time world champion Taylor Canfield is the driver, and the U.S. squad has an All-American roster of talented athletes.