USA out of Bermuda SailGP after high-speed crash
There was one less boat on the start line than expected for the first race of the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix today with Team USA forced to withdraw after a high-speed crash on Friday.
The Americans inverted their wing during the third practice session, with most of the crew flung out of the boat and falling around 20 feet, some into the water.
While there are a few sore bodies the morning after the crash day before, there is no long-lasting damage to any of the USA crew members, including driver Taylor Canfield, but the same cannot be said of the F50 he is in charge of.
SailGP’s Tech Team assessed the extent of the problem overnight and deemed the damage caused to the wing too significant to repair in time for racing.
It is a blow for the USA team in just their fifth race under new ownership, and Mike Buckley, United States CEO and strategist, expressed his disappointment at not being able to race.
“While thankfully our athletes are all OK, there was significant damage to the F50,” Buckley told SailGP.
“Unfortunately, it is not repairable in time for us to get back on the water for racing here in Bermuda and we are extremely disappointed but will learn from the incident.”
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