New Zealand's Amokura left Saturday's fleet racing with more than disappointment to show for it, the F50 sustaining rudder damage after Switzerland's boat crashed into her on the port side at the start of race four. A post-race inspection by SailGP's technical team resulted in the Swiss being handed eight penalty points, and a full replacement of the port rudder was scheduled ahead of Sunday's competition.
In the standings, Emirates Great Britain sit tenth and remain in contention for the Grand Final, with Australia's Bonds Flying Roos and Spain's Los Gallos still in the hunt behind them.
Black Foils Co-CEO and Driver Peter Burling said it felt like the team had some unlucky moments, with a penalty at the bottom mark in race three and the collision with the Swiss in race four combining to push the team to the back of the fleet on both occasions.
"I thought we were doing well getting the boat off the start line. A couple of things didn't swing for us today with the penalty in race 3 at the bottom mark and the crash with the Swiss in race 4 putting us right to the back on both races, but the team did a great job carrying on and working our way forward," Burling said.
Burling said the team was looking forward to getting back out on Sunday, and pointed to how early crews must commit to their decisions aboard an F50.
"I think what you don't see perhaps on the broadcast is that you get committed to a decision so early in these conditions with options on the course. You've got to try and make the correct decision early, and if you get it wrong or someone slightly gets inside you, it makes life incredibly tough. That's what we were trying to do today is make good decisions. Obviously didn't get them all right today, especially on the first run going backwards a few times, but all in all we are looking forward to getting back out there."
