American boat helmsman confident crew can build on encouraging SailGP day

The 2021/2022 edition of the SailGP series launched in Bermuda with two-time America's Cup winner Spithill looking forward to going head-to-head with seven other boats across three continents.

The American boat had entered into the final day of racing only three points back from third hoping to climb the leaderboard and advance to the finals – reserved for the top three teams.

VIDEO SailGP Bermuda 2021 april

Early in the first race, with wind speeds testing the F50 catamarans, the Japan SailGP Team – while attempting to cross in front of the USA team who had right-of-way – caused a collision.

Sadly it caused significant damage to the American F50, including the hull, with the steering system of the advanced catamaran deteriorating further causing the rudder to break and the capsize that forced the team to retire just when they were pushing for a place in the finals.

Australian Spithill, 41, said: "We came into today in fourth place, with a real chance at the top three. Conditions were at the top end, we were on high speed boards and small wings. We were having a great race with the top three and as we were heading up the first beat, unfortunately Japan took us out of the race which was really disappointing."

The U.S. SailGP Team has begun the process of evaluating the extent of damage to their F50 with team technicians having full expectations that it will be ready for racing in short order.

Spithill added: “(Japan SailGP Team Helmsman) Nathan Outteridge and I are good friends, he came up and apologised. That's how it goes, this is almost like auto racing now. At these fast speeds and decisions, if mistakes happen it can be out of your control. It's just one of those things. There's no type of redress in this type of racing if you get taken out. That's life, we'll learn our lessons, and get ready for the next event."

The team now looks to the Italy Sail Grand Prix second stop in Taranto as their next chance to climb the leaderboard from June 5-6, 2021.