Please select your home edition
Edition
Hyde Sails 2024 - One Design

SailGP: Controversial Call? Late Umpire Decision?

by Mark Jardine 9 Feb 07:16 PST 8-9 February 2025
Tash Bryant, strategist of Australia SailGP Team points the way to Tom Slingsby, driver of Australia SailGP Team during the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia © Bob Martin for SailGP

The KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix on Sydney Harbour provided us with thrilling racing, but arguably the most contentious moment of the weekend was when the Australian SailGP Team, helmed by Tom Slingsby, were awarded a penalty in the pre-start when they were luffed by the Canadian NorthStar SailGP Team, helmed by Giles Scott.

We take a look as to whether the decision was correct, using the UmpApp view and help from SailGP Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell.

Related Articles

Kiel Canal to get to Portsmouth?
Is this Holcim PRB & Allagrande Mapei answer to make The Ocean Race Europe Leg 2 start? While the five IMOCA yachts still racing in Leg 1 of The Ocean Race Europe are closing in on Portsmouth, the race is on for Holcim PRB and Allagrande Mapei to do their repairs after their crash at the start. Posted on 12 Aug
Some thoughts on “Asteria's Final Voyage”
Tapio Lehti's rescue story in the GGR film “Asteria's Final Voyage” If you've sailed offshore, you understand how dependent you are on your boat, its systems, and your own seamanship. Finnish sailor Tapio Lehti discovered this firsthand in the Golden Globe Race 2022. Posted on 12 Aug
Double Down
Rahan, Léon, and Toucan - all great efforts, all winners, and all oceans apart Still blown away by the incredible efforts of Rahan in the Transpac, and now there is Léon in the Fastnet, and here in Australia, Toucan scores int he Sydney to Gold Coast race Posted on 10 Aug
A Day at the Keyhaven Regatta!
A montage of the sailing and surroundings which I hope you enjoy Sunday saw the first races of the 2025 Keyhaven Regatta at Keyhaven Yacht Club, a small club at the western end of the Solent in the UK. It also happens to be where I do my sailing from! Posted on 10 Aug
Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug
Fastnet Race, RS Aeros, Isle of Wight
Fastnet Race, RS Aero Worlds, GL50s, Isle of Wight circumnavigation When the conversation turns to the world's greatest middle-distance bluewater races, talk tends to linger on the Rolex Fastnet Race, which started on Saturday, July 26, and for great reason. Posted on 29 Jul
Of Ospreys, Eagles, Falcons, and Moths
Birds of prey. Insects. All of them airborne? How does it all apply here? Time to find out! All are airborne. The first three are birds of prey. The last one is an insect. All are so completely different. The first three have also had their name, formidable qualities and fantastic reputations applied to fantastic aircraft made by Boeing. Posted on 27 Jul
Rolex Fastnet Race Start - view from Hurst Castle
A video montage as the fleet went out of the Solent I went out to Hurst Castle with his camera and drone to capture the action as the boats, ranging from the mighty Ultim trimarans, through to the IMOCAs and grand prix yachts competing in the 2025 Admiral's Cup went through the narrrows out of the Solent. Posted on 26 Jul
(More than) A Day at the Races
The UK is the place to be right now if you're a sailor The UK is the place to be right now if you're a sailor, and I don't think I've ever known a time when so many great events are happening concurrently. Posted on 22 Jul
Were the Roos Robbed in Portsmouth?
We discuss the Race 6 Penalty with SailGP's Chief Umpire Craig Mitchell The high speed, short course action of SailGP is thrilling to watch, but inevitably causes tight situations and means the Umpires have to react quickly to decide who is right and who is wrong. Posted on 22 Jul
Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMSea Sure 2025V-DRY-X