Please select your home edition
Edition
RS Sailing 2021 - LEADERBOARD
Product Feature
Tiller Extension, Carbon Kevlar - 2.5m
Tiller Extension, Carbon Kevlar - 2.5m

Bizarre first day at the New York Sail Grand Prix with only 4 boats launched

by Mark Jardine 31 May 06:36 BST May 30-31, 2026
Bonds Flying Roos (AUS) nosedive ahead of Race Day 1 of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix - May 30, 2026 © Ricardo Pinto/SailGP

Swirling winds in New York caused major problems launching the fleet of F50s at the Mubadala Sail Grand Prix, so only four boats made it on to the water, and that was rapidly reduced to just three when the Bonds Flying Roos nosedived, causing significant damage.

The racing went ahead with just three boats and points were scored. I am sure there will be significant disquiet amongst the teams who couldn't race through no fault of their own, and go into day two on zero points.

Related Articles

Championships shine, AC wakes, SailGP adapts
So much has been going on that it's tricky to even know where to start What a week for sailing! So much has been going on that it's tricky to even know where to start. There have been so many highlights, both in terms of the events I attended in the UK and what has been happening further afield. Posted on 26 May
Australia's back!
Like, did we ever leave? Not really… Like, did we ever leave? Not really… Ever since Sir Frank Packer KBE kicked it off, we've been there, or thereabouts. For instance, Grant Simmer OAM has been involved with every one of them since winning it in 1983. Posted on 17 May
Team Australia America's Cup launch videos
Videos with key members of the team, Grant Simmer OAM, Glenn Ashby, and Tash Bryant Team Australia's challenge for the 38th America's Cup was launched yesterday at the Royal Prince Edward Yacht Club. Posted on 14 May
The Same, But Different
A packed schedule coming up with a diverse range of events I am so enjoying reading all the event news now the season has begun in earnest in the UK. The sun has been plentiful throughout April and May, encouraging everyone to get back out on the water. Posted on 12 May
Sunsail Funding the Future Initiative
Now in its third year of supporting grassroots sailing clubs Sunsail has launched this year's Funding the Future Initiative, now in its third year of supporting grassroots sailing clubs. Previous winners include West Lancashire Yacht Club (2024) and Otley Sailing Club (2025). Posted on 7 May
Close Encounters…
Of the Jimbo kind. To know Jim Close is to have an experience. To know Jim Close, aka Jimbo, or Mumbles, is to have an experience (Boom. Boom. Basil Brush). It's not a reflection. It's a casting of vision. Yes. What a trip. Part acid. Part journey through space. Part adventure in existentialism. Posted on 4 May
Rotters and Colanders
Initiatives which blow preconceptions about sailing out of the water In these times it's all too easy to fall back on old adages about sailing, saying the costs are too high, it's elitist and things are in decline, but there are some incredible bright spots which blow preconceptions about sailing out of the water. Posted on 28 Apr
Two things
The first time something occurs it's happenstance. Next is circumstance. The third is enemy action. So, there's an axiom that states, the first time something occurs it's happenstance. The next is circumstance, and the third is enemy action. Now on paper, and under that ruling, that makes this here Ed the latter. Hhhmmmm. Posted on 19 Apr
SailGP Venue vs. Revenue
In 'Grandstand' sailing the race area is defined well in advance of the event SailGP finally got to land in South America, with the inaugural Rio Sail Grand Prix taking place over the weekend. Posted on 13 Apr
Mission Accomplished!
Keeping it in the family was always really the main mission. Just ask him… Keeping it in the family was always really the main mission. Just ask him… Now at 138 days and some change, Tristan Gourlay has shaved a fair old chunk off the 179 days and change his dad, Ken, set 19 and a bit years ago. Posted on 6 Apr