Wingsail Crumples During SailGP Training in Brazil

During a SailGP preseason training camp in Bermuda, the wingsail of a foiling F50 catamaran, helmed by Brazilian sailor Martine Grael, unexpectedly crumpled and fell onto the deck. The incident occurred while the boat was foiling at approximately 70 kph (43 mph), with the wingsail measuring 24 meters (79 feet) in height. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported among the six-person crew, which included both new Brazilian team members and experienced SailGP athletes. Video footage captured the moments leading up to the failure, showing the crew initiating a maneuver just before the wingsail collapsed. A loud popping sound was heard, and crew members had to quickly react to avoid the falling debris. This incident is reminiscent of a similar occurrence involving Team New Zealand's wingsail, which shattered during a race in Saint-Tropez a year prior, causing significant damage and sidelining the boat. The extensive damage to the wingsail will have repercussions for the training camp, as there is only one boat available in Bermuda. This setback will affect the team's preparation ahead of the first regatta of Season 5, scheduled to take place in Dubai on November 23-24. The complexity of wingsails, which resemble airliner wings and are crucial for the performance of these high-speed catamarans, underscores the risks involved in this high-stakes sport. SailGP features some of the world's top sailors, including Olympic medalists and America’s Cup champions, competing for a substantial cash prize. The incident highlights the challenges faced by teams in this elite sailing league, where technical failures can significantly impact training and competition schedules.