The New York Sail Grand Prix Start Collision - Analysis and Reaction

On Sunday at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix there was a collision involving three teams in the final seconds before the Race 3 start. Approaching the start line there were two distinct groups, with Italy, Switzerland and Great Britain at the leeward end, while Canada, USA and Brazil were further to windward. Brazil were coming in from further back on a higher line at over 60 kph, whereas the other teams were all averaging around 30 to 40 kph, while the groups closer to the line were converging, so the gap for Brazil was rapidly diminishing. Phil Roberton on the Italian boat was at this point concerned with two things: crossing the line too early and the Swiss boat on his tail, accelerating towards the line and having to go progressively higher to avoid an OCS. Brazil by this point had an overlap to leeward of USA, who seemed unaware of the developing situation to their leeward side. With Italy continuing to go up, Brazil had nowhere to go, hitting both the USA and then Italy, causing them to turn further into the wind across the bow of the USA. Technically, Italy were allowed to luff up within the bounds of Rule 16, which defines what a right of way boat can do when changing course, however Rule 14 requires a right of way boat to avoid contact where reasonably possible, but only when it’s clear that others aren’t keeping clear. The Italian team should also be looking into the space they are about to occupy when turning right (like looking over your shoulder when overtaking on a motorway). The majority of the blame was placed on the U.S. Team with a 7 point penalty, while the Italians were given a 4 point penalty. The Brazilian team hadn’t broken Rule 14 so had no penalty points.