Australian SailGP Team suffer damage to rudder in drama filled first training on Italian waters, ahead of Taranto Sail Grand Prix

TARANTO - June 3, 2021 - The Australian SailGP Team’s revolutionary F50, emblazoned with a giant kangaroo, set sail on Italian waters for the first time today, delivering show stopping drama and a glimpse of what to expect when the Italian debut Sail Grand Prix opens in Tarano on 5 and 6 of June.

The first day of training delivered challenges for Slingsby’s crew, with the Australian F50 suffering damage to one of the rudders, which will take the flying roo out of practice, whilst the technical crew conduct urgent repairs.

Slingsby said, “We had a nice first day sailing in Taranto. This was the first time sailing with this squad and Kinley’s first day in flight control, as Jason Waterhouse is not competing at this event to focus on his Olympic preparation. He did a great job and we hope to keep improving before race day. Unfortunately we broke a small part on the boat which in turn loaded up the rudders, which are now seriously damaged.”

Now, with a deadline, the team will race against the clock to ensure the F50 will be back on the water to race, “we have an amazing technical team onshore here,” said Slingsby, “and they’re going to put in some long hours to help us get back out racing. In the meantime we’re hoping another crew will lend us a hand and allow us to get some training in using their F50.”

Australian fans will be able to watch all of the action of the racing this weekend on the SailGP app and live on official broadcasters Foxtel and Kayo Sports. Kayo Sports are also offering fans free access to both the live and replay racing.