"It Was A Pretty Insane Situation". Driver of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team Ben Ainslie has relived the moment grinder Matt Gotrel fell through the fairing of the British F50 on the first day of racing in Sydney.
The team was on the final stretch to the finish line of the first fleet race and travelling close to 50 mph when Gotrel fell through the fairing during a gybe.
While in the water, Gotrel remained attached to the F50 via his safety line. Fortunately, the Emirates GBR crew promptly stopped the boat and was able to pull Gotrel back on board. The team was even able to finish the race in sixth place.
Following the race, Gotrel was taken to hospital for a check up - he sustained muscular strain to his right hip and legs, and some bruising from the impact but was promptly discharged.
Speaking after racing, Ainslie described the incident as 'a pretty insane situation', adding that the first thoughts that went through his head were, 'oh my god, how are we going to resolve this one?'
