Japan race on Day 2 of Australia Sail Grand Prix using hybrid F50 containing parts of British boat

Syndey, Australia – 12/18/2021 – The Japan SailGP Team took part in Race Day 2 of the Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney Presented by KPMG, despite being involved in a huge collision on Race Day 1 which caused serious damage to its F50.

Nathan Outteridge’s team sailed in a hybrid boat comprising parts of both Japan’s F50 and also Great Britain’s – who were at fault for the collision in the pre-start of fleet race three on Friday.

Ben Ainslie, the British Driver, offered his team’s boat to Japan immediately after the end of racing on Day 1, accepting he was to blame for the incident which resulted in Great Britain being penalized six points in the event rankings – and two points in the Season Championship.

Japan SailGP Team helmed by Nathan Outteridge in action on hybrid boat comprised of the Great Britain hull and the Japan team’s 24-meter windsail and hydrofoils. The hybrid boat is a result of the crash between the Great Britain SailGP Team and Japan
SailGP Team on Race Day 1. Ben Ainslie and the Great Britain SailGP Team gave up their boat to ensure Japan could compete in Race Day 2. Photo by Bob Martin for SailGP.

The collision caused the front of the right hull of Japan’s F50 to be sliced clean off, and Outteridge’s team used the base of Great Britain’s boat for Saturday’s action. Japan continued to use their own wing sail and foils during racing, as SailGP fans got their first taste of a hybrid boat in action.

Great Britain’s withdrawal from Race Day 2 meant the fleet was reduced to seven teams for the final two fleet races of the AustraliaSGP.

Australia ended up winning their home event on Sydney Harbour, beating the United States and Spain in the Final to book their place in the Season 2 Grand Final with one event to spare.