Tensions simmer as Sydney thunderstorm threat cancels SailGP practice, but not for every team
Friday, 23 February 2024
Threat of thunderstorms cancelled Friday’s practice for the SailGP in Sydney.
Other teams were unhappy as Germany and the United States were allowed to train.
Canada’s Kiwi driver Phil Robertson says sailors will need their “brown undies” for Saturday’s predicted stiff breezes.
SailGP: Event eight; Where: Sydney, Australia; When: Saturday and Sunday at 6pm (NZ time); Live coverage: Three Now.
Taylor Swift mania wasn’t the only force of nature hitting Sydney on Friday.
The threat of thunderstorms and heavy rain on late Friday afternoon caused significant disruptions for the teams preparing for this weekend’s SailGP around Sydney Harbour.
The severe forecast prompted SailGP officials to cancel Friday’s official practice session on Thursday night, leaving tensions simmering between the event’s 10 teams.
Before the bad weather arrived, only Germany and the United States were permitted to train for two hours on the water on Friday morning in hot, glorious sunshine.
The other eight teams, including the leading Australian and New Zealand boats, had to wait and hope Friday’s storm would pass to provide a small window for practice on Saturday morning with their F50 foiling catamarans.
There were few qualms about cancelling the official practice day when a representative from each team was present for Friday morning’s press conference at the Sydney Opera House, metres from the water’s edge.
Still, Australia skipper Tom Slingsby could not hide his wry smile when asked about the Germans and Americans sailing around the harbour nearby, while he completed media duties.
Slingsby said they had to take the right precautions and referred to the incident last January when New Zealand’s Amokura boat was struck by lighting at the Singapore SailGP, stating it was “probably the right call” to cancel the practice session.
He nonetheless did not seem pleased while the German and American crews were on the water. It was not clear if he was still by the Opera House to see Germany’s boat speed by as team officials and media exited the press conference.
“We would prefer if they weren't out there as well, but that's just the way it is. We don't make those rules and have to roll with the punches,” Slingsby said.
Slingsby wasn’t the only sailor on stage who appeared unhappy.
Denmark skipper Nicolai Sehested let out a sarcastic “nah” when asked if he had an issue with the German and American boats training. Canada’s Kiwi driver, Phil Robertson, said “it is what it is”.
Slingsby was also diplomatic in pointing out that Germany and the United States had less experience of Sydney.
“Those teams haven’t been here. It is a tough venue. You’ve got to understand where you can and can’t go. There are islands, channels and markers out there,” he said.
“It's fine they're out there, learning the venue. It's not ideal, but it's okay. I want to be out there, I want to be training.”
Speaking on behalf of the United States and Germany respectively, coaches Mark Ivey and Lennart Briesenick said they were grateful their teams were on the water.
“[Our team] is getting familiar with this amazing venue in Sydney and time on the water, it's huge for us right now,” Ivey said.
“We're very lucky because I'm sure they all want to be out there.“
The disappointment of Friday was offset by the anticipation of stiffer breezes for better sailing conditions when racing begins on Saturday.
Sydney’s regatta is the eighth leg of the season. The previous seven have been blighted by light winds.
Canada driver Robertson captured the excitement the most vividly.
“It's going to be breeze-on. We haven't sailed in breeze for a long time,” Robertson said.
“It's big boy pants weather. It's going to be on. From what I've seen, it's going to be a big day and you've got to bring your brown undies.
“Buckle up because it's going to be a wild ride. It's a pumping southerly buster.”
New Zealand will be skippered by Australian sailor Nathan Outteridge, a late call-up for Peter Burling, who was home with his wife waiting for the imminent arrival of their first child.
Christchurch hosts New Zealand’s leg of the season on March 23-24, with three more to come in Bermuda, Halifax and New York before the finale in San Francisco in July.
SailGP leaderboard after seven events: Australia 56, New Zealand 50, United States 43, Denmark 43, Spain 42, Great Britain 41, France 38, Canada 37, Germany 16, Switzerland 12.
– Joseph Pearson travelled to Sydney with SailGP