Stormy waters hit Sydney event

if I said

Taylor Swift mania wasn’t the only force of nature hitting Sydney yesterday.

The threat of thunderstorms and heavy rain late yesterday afternoon caused significant disruptions for the teams preparing for this weekend’s SailGP around Sydney Harbour.

The severe forecast prompted SailGP officials to cancel yesterday’s official practice session on Thursday night, leaving tensions simmering between the event’s 10 teams.

Before the bad weather arrived, only Germany and the United States were permitted to train for two hours on the water yesterday morning in hot, glorious sunshine.

The other eight teams, including the leading Australian and New Zealand boats, had to wait and hope the storm would pass to provide a small window for practice this morning with their F50 foiling catamarans.

There were few qualms about cancelling the official practice day when a representative from each team was present for yesterday morning’s press conference at the Sydney Opera House, metres from the water’s edge.

Still, Australia skipper Tom Slingsby could not hide a wry smile when asked about the Germans and Americans sailing around the harbour nearby, while he completed media duties.

Slingsby said they had to take the right precautions and referred to the incident last January when New Zealand’s Amokura boat was struck by lighting at the Singapore SailGP, stating that it was “probably the right call” to cancel the practice session.

What: SailGP, event eight

Where, when: Sydney, Australia; today and tomorrow at 6pm (NZ time)

Live coverage: Three Now

SailGP leaderboard after seven events: Australia 56, New Zealand 50, United States 43, Denmark 43, Spain 42, Great Britain 41, France 38, Canada 37, Germany 16, Switzerland 12.

He nonetheless did not seem pleased that the German and American crews were on the water. It was not clear if he was still by the Opera House to see Germany’s boat speed by as team officials and media exited the press conference.

“We would prefer if they weren’t out there as well, but that’s just the way it is. We don’t make those rules and have to roll with the punches.”

Slingsby wasn’t the only sailor on stage who appeared unhappy.

Denmark skipper Nicolai Sehested let out a sarcastic “nah” when asked if he had an issue with the German and American boats training. Canada’s Kiwi driver, Phil Robertson, said “it is what it is”.

Slingsby was also diplomatic in pointing out that Germany and the United States had less experience of Sydney.

“Those teams haven’t been here. It is a tough venue. You’ve got to understand where you can and can’t go. There are islands, channels and markers out there,” he said.

“It’s fine they’re out there, learning the venue. It’s not ideal, but it’s okay. I want to be out there, I want to be training.”