Collision stuns; Rollercoaster SailGP final leaves Jimmy Spithill wanting
by US SailGP Team 28 Mar 2022 23:12 NZDT
27 March 2022
Collision between USA SailGP Team and Spain SailGP Team on Race Day 2 of San Francisco SailGP, Season 2 © Simon Bruty for SailGP
In a season plagued by misfortune, the United States SailGP Team nearly completed the perfect comeback. But, it was not meant to be when during the Championship Final Race Jimmy Spithill's U.S. team fell into a wind hole and never recovered. Tom Slingsby's Australia SailGP Team claimed its second overall championship and the $1 million prize.
Given how the racing began today with drama in the windy conditions, no one would have imagined the final race of the Mubadala United States Sail Grand Prix would unravel in the light, shifty breeze. Yet Spithill gave all the credit to the Australian team.
"I think Tom got off the line well," said Spithill, U.S. SailGP Team Driver and CEO. "We did think at one of the top line gates we were going to have a shot but at the end of the day, you really have to credit the Aussies. They have been the benchmark team all season. They went back to back. I mean it's very impressive."
In the first qualifying race today, Spain collided with the American F50, climbing up the side of the American boat as it forced its way inside of Spithill at the second turning mark. The Spanish team's curved hydrofoil slid under, and then sliced off the back end of the U.S. boat. The team narrowly avoided serious damage as Flight Controller Rome Kirby had to jump out of the way when Spain's red hull almost landed on top of them. The 'Iceman' Spithill did not even flinch.
The American shore team quickly assessed damage and sprung into action to replace the rudder. They utilized Race 5 to complete the repairs with an eye to compete in the final, while more action unfolded and another collision happened between France and New Zealand.
After starting off the season in last place and steadily climbed the leaderboard, the U.S. SailGP Team was poised to complete the comeback and win the Championship on U.S. waters, but it just wasn't meant to be.
Season 3 of SailGP will open with the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess on May 14 and 15 in Bermuda. Ten teams will contest Season 3 with the addition of Switzerland and Canada to the starting line-up. Events are confirmed in Chicago, Plymouth, Copenhagen, Saint-Tropez, Cadiz-Andalucia, Dubai, Christchurch and the final again in San Francisco. More destinations are still to be announced. For more information on the full Season 3 calendar as well as the U.S. SailGP Team visit sailgp.com