During a practice day at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, a wild scene unfolded as the U.S. boat capsized during the third fleet race. The top wing of the boat was inverted, causing it to suddenly flip over and send five out of six crew members overboard. Fortunately, there were no serious injuries sustained during the incident. It was later determined that a “user error” caused the boat to capsize, as wing trimmer Victor Diaz de Leon accidentally pressed the wrong button, inverting the wing when he meant to flatten it. Despite the scare, all the teammates were safe and unharmed.
As a result of the capsizing and the extensive damage to the F50 boat, the United States team was unable to participate in the official racing in Bermuda. The team could not repair the boat in time for the races, leaving them unable to continue in the competition. Currently, Taylor Canfield’s United States squad ranks seventh out of the 10 teams in the season 4 standings of SailGP, with 49 points. In comparison, the New Zealand squad led by Peter Burling has 77 points and is currently at the top of the leaderboard.
The incident involving the U.S. boat capsizing served as a reminder of the risks and dangers involved in competitive sailing. Despite the unpredictability of the sport, the team members involved in the capsizing were grateful that no serious injuries occurred. Victor Diaz de Leon took responsibility for the mishap, acknowledging that pressing the wrong button caused the boat to flip over. The team’s focus was on ensuring the safety and well-being of all crew members involved in the accident.
The team members expressed their gratitude for the support and understanding shown by the sailing community following the incident. While the capsizing prevented the United States team from competing in Bermuda, they remained determined to learn from the experience and move forward. The team’s participation in future races would depend on the repairs and preparations needed for their F50 boat. Despite the setback, the team remained hopeful and determined to continue competing in SailGP and improving their performance in the upcoming races.
Following the incident, the United States team aimed to regroup and assess the situation to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. The team members acknowledged the importance of proper training, communication, and attention to detail in ensuring the safety and success of their races. Despite the challenges faced during the practice day, the team remained committed to their goal of competing at the highest level and representing the United States in the world of competitive sailing. As they worked on repairing their damaged boat and preparing for future races, the team remained focused and determined to learn from their mistakes and continue pursuing success on the water.
