SailGP: Watch shocking close call as Team GBR sailors almost crash into Team USA in intense practice session
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Sailors got chance to get used to the waters of the Solent yesterday during practice
A shocking near miss occurred during SailGP practice drills.
Footage shows the Team GBR craft almost crashing into Team USA on Friday (July 24). Similar to the Formula 1 grand prixs, teams only get a short window practice window the day before racing begins.
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Team GBR, full of star-studded Olympians including Gold Medallist Darren Fletcher, were getting to grips with the tight corners and water currents before the incident with Team USA and other vessels. The tight racing, even in the practice session, means that this weekend of racing promises to be hotly contested.
Around 20,000 fans are expected to watch the thrilling action on July 25 and 26. A total of 13 SailGP teams will be racing their identical 50ft foiling catamarans, getting up to high speeds in the waters around Southsea Castle. The British event kicks off the European leg of the racing season - with much anticipation surrounding it.
Members of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team include owner and CEO Sir Ben Ainslie, as well as athletes Hannah Mills OBE, Dylan Fletcher MBE, Stuart Bithell MBE and Youth Sailor Kai Hockley.
Speaking ahead of the practice session, Darren told The News: “It’s looking like an absolutely wonderful forecast and we’re proud to be in Portsmouth and Southsea for this event. It’ll be great to get some good racing for the home crowds.
“You only get to practice the day before. Beforehand it’s meetings and strategy, but now it’s about getting out there on the water, going through our test list, and building up to the weekend.”