Season 4 was packed with drama, from capsizes and crashes to equipment damage and off-water clashes. We round up some of the closest calls from across the 13-event season.
ROCKWOOL DEN and New Zealand almost crash in Saint-Tropez
ROCKWOOL DEN and New Zealand narrowly avoided a dramatic collision in Saint-Tropez when the two teams came together rounding a race mark. The incident occurred on the penultimate leg of the second fleet race when both teams jostled to move up the rankings. Ultimately, New Zealand gained the upper hand, finishing the race in 6th while the Danish finished just behind in 7th.
Spain and Canada almost crash in Cadiz
Following a dramatic collision between Spain and Canada in Saint-Tropez, the two teams came together again in Cadiz as the second fleet race got underway. This time however it was the Spanish who picked up the penalty for not giving enough room to Canada at the mark.
France gets sandwiched in Cadiz
Cadiz also saw a dramatic moment unfold between France, Emirates GBR and Canada in the final stages of the fifth fleet race. France dived inside both teams on the desperate approach to the finish line, ending up sandwiched between both. The incident ultimately ended up costing the French - landing them with a penalty meters from the finish line.
Photo finish in Dubai
The closest finish of the season unfolded in Dubai as Canada, New Zealand and Australia came together at the finish line of the Final. Canada picked up a penalty, meaning they were unable to win the race, while New Zealand and Australia battled to cross the line. Ultimately, it was Peter Burling’s New Zealand that was named the eventual winner.
Germany almost capsizes in Sydney
There were sure to be some hairy moments as Germany’s debut season got underway - especially in Sydney. One memorable incident unfolded in the second fleet race, with France shutting the door on Germany at the fifth gate. The team came close to hitting France, then almost collided with a race mark before avoiding a capsize by the narrowest of margins.
France loses control in Halifax
SailGP’s inaugural visit to Canada was packed with drama, especially in the event Final. France had to keep clear of ROCKWOOL DEN heading into the last turning mark but dramatically lost control - nosediving into the water and blocking the Danish. The incident, labelled ‘carnage’ by commentator Stevie Morrison, ultimately handed the event victory to the British, who sailed away from the incident without interruption.
Spain slide sideways over the Halifax finish line
Another dramatic incident in Halifax saw the Spanish team lose control of their F50 and skid across the finish line in the fourth fleet race. The team was following Australia over the finish line and finished the race in 7th overall.
Switzerland comes close to hitting New Zealand
A close incident unfolded between Switzerland and New Zealand in Christchurch, when Swiss driver Nathan Outteridge pushed the F50 close on the approach to the second gate. The risky move helped the Swiss stay ahead of the Kiwis, with Switzerland finishing 5th and New Zealand in 6th.
