Flying Roos emerge unscathed as mayhem erupts in Germany practice racing
by BONDS Flying Roos 15 Aug 23:24 BST
19-20 July 2025
Aerial view of Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team F50 catamaran following an incident during a practice session ahead of the Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz, Germany. Friday 15 August © Ricardo Pinto for SailGP
The Bonds Flying Roos emerged from practice racing in Sassnitz unscathed and in peak form ahead of racing, despite survival conditions that saw dramatic incidents for both Brazil and France.
In gusty wind conditions averaging 22 knots, the 12 national teams lined up in a split-fleet format, with the Australians drawn against Brazil, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Spain.
True to form, Tom Slingsby’s crew, renowned for their ability to excel in chaotic conditions, were commanding the first fleet race of the day and holding the lead when major incidents with Brazil and France forced an abrupt change in proceedings.
The Mubadala Brazil Team’s front beam of their F50 collapsed in a high-impact nosedive as they rounded the first mark behind the Australians.
Thankfully, no crew was injured however due to the extensive damage suffered to the F50, the team will not be able to compete at the Germany Sail Grand Prix.
The France SailGP Team also suffered damage during racing to its rudder, with repairs underway tonight in the hope to have the team back on the start line for racing.
Tom Slingsby, Driver, CEO & Co-Owner said, “It ended up being a lot windier on the course than forecasted, and it was a really tough day out there. There was a lot of carnage around us, we saw the French and were lucky to avoid them.
“We sailed well but only managed one leg of the course. It’s tough for Brazil, who sustained significant damage that will need to be assessed, and for France, who broke a rudder. It was a brutal start to the week for some teams”, Slingsby added.
The team’s composure and control in challenging conditions reaffirmed their reputation as one of the most formidable contenders in the Rolex SailGP Championship.
Despite the chaos, the Aussies are heading into official racing this weekend with confidence, determined to draw on their three-time championship experience in pursuit of victory.
Slingsby said, “The team is feeling good, and with a windier forecast ahead, we’ll be running the 18-metre wings and different rudders. We’re confident in the set-up and expecting some exciting racing for the fans.”
Racing commences tomorrow with thousands of fans expected to pack the Sassnitz shoreline for a historic weekend of racing. Australian fans can catch all the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports, when racing kicks off from 11:30PM AEST on Saturday, 16 August 2025.