SailGP: Artemis Racing crew member Chris Draper injured in training incident
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World.com/nz 14 Jan 07:04 GMT
Artemis SailGP Team goes airborne - Rolex SailGP Championship Event 1 Season 6 - January 13, 2026 © Beau Outteridge/SailGP
Artemis Racing and Emirates Team NZ crew member Chris Draper, was injured in a training incident on Tuesday in Fremantle, ahead of the first event of Season 6 of SailGP.
"Yesterday, in practice, Wing Trimmer Chris Draper sustained an injury to his lip which he was medically treated for on site. Excited to get out and face the elements again today," Artemis Racing posted on social media along with a video of the incident, which shows Draper being swept across the deck trampoline.
From a photograph circulating on social media he is shown bleeding from two lip punctures - a typical contact sport injury. Earlier in the session the Artemis Racing F50 leapt completely clear of the water in a spectacular incident.
Conditions at the time of the incident were fresh winds of 25kts, gusting higher, and choppy seas. Video of 10 of the teams practicing can be viewed sail-world.com/news/292930/SailGP-Not-for-the-faint-hearted
Draper sailed in Thursday's practice sessions along with practice racing on Friday. The first racing of Season 6 will get underway on Saturday at 1500hrs local time.
The event is a sellout.
Chris Draper won a Bronze Medal for Great Britain in 2004 in the 49er class, and is an experienced competitor at SailGP and America's Cup level. He was announced as part of the Emirates Team New Zealand sailing squad in 2025. Artemis Racing, representing Sweden, is helmed by Emirates Team NZ skipper, Nathan Outteridge, the team has several other members of the New Zealand America's Cup sailing team on board.
Additional Images: