{"id":418112,"date":"2026-01-17T01:50:12","date_gmt":"2026-01-17T01:50:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/418112\/"},"modified":"2026-01-17T01:50:12","modified_gmt":"2026-01-17T01:50:12","slug":"sail-grand-prix-fleet-stung-by-fremantle-doctor-before-race-has-even-begun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/418112\/","title":{"rendered":"Sail Grand Prix fleet stung by Fremantle doctor before race has even begun"},"content":{"rendered":"

Team Australia has suffered an early injury setback in the lead-up to the opening race of the Sail Grand Prix season, which Fremantle is hosting for the first time this weekend.<\/p>\n

Teammates said Iain Jensen twisted his knee on the tramp while crossing the boat during a jibe \u2014 their last manoeuvre of the day.<\/p>\n

As Jensen awaits test results, sailing veteran Glenn Ashby has been flown in as back-up, joining the crew for the last day of practice.<\/p>\n

Artemis Racing wing trimmer Chris Drap also suffered an early injury, according to teammate and driver Nathan Outteridge.<\/p>\n

“He went flying onto the boat and got pretty badly hurt on his lip \u2014 a bunch of stitches for him, and a day off on Wednesday,” he said.<\/p>\n

“But he was back on board yesterday, and we’re back sailing again. He’s really tough.”<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The sail boats got one last training session in on Friday. Pictured is the New Zealand boat “Black Foils”. (ABC News: Andrew O’Connor)<\/p>\n

Meanwhile, Team Spain has been forced to bow out after its catamaran sustained significant damage during practice.<\/p>\n

The early drama highlights the challenges ahead for the remaining 12 international teams, which will battle the famous Fremantle doctor out in 50-foot foiling catamarans, reaching speeds of up to 100 kilometres an hour.<\/p>\n

Sold-out event<\/p>\n

About 15,000 people will attend the sold-out event \u2014 which WA’s acting sport minister, John Carey, was keen to point out was “better than Sydney” \u2014 while about 20 million are expected to tune into the live broadcast to see what the Fremantle doctor has in store.<\/p>\n

\"Blue<\/p>\n

Sail GP fans will watch the event from these grandstands. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)<\/p>\n

“It’s probably going to be the fastest and uncontrolled racing we’ve seen so far,” Team Germany’s Erik Heil said.<\/p>\n

“The boats probably will be flying around pretty hectic.”Team Australia confident<\/p>\n

Despite the potential injury setback, three-time champions Team Australia said it was feeling confident and keen to get back on the winners’ list after settling for silver the last two seasons.<\/p>\n

“We love the breeze, we love the hard conditions, everyone just loves to send it out there,” team strategist Natasha Bryant said.<\/p>\n

\"Natasha<\/p>\n

Perth-born grinder Kinley Fowler (left) and strategist Natasha Bryant (right), both Team Australia. (ABC News: Bridget McArthur)<\/p>\n

Perth is locked in to host the Sail Grand Prix for three years.<\/p>\n

Mr Carey said the government expected big returns but refused to be drawn on the cost to bring it here.<\/p>\n

“We don’t get into individual costs because it is highly competitive. We are competing with great sailing cities around the world,” he said.<\/p>\n

“It’s all part of our ambitious and aggressive agenda to make Perth, to make Freo, to make Western Australia a really exciting destination for visitors but also for locals.”<\/p>\n

‘No clear favourite’<\/p>\n

SailGP chief executive Sir Russell Coutts said he was confident Perth would set the tone for an “exciting new era of competition”.<\/p>\n

“We are entering what is likely to be the most competitive season in SailGP history, and after an active off-season of athlete transfers, we’ve got unbelievable depth across the fleet and no clear favourite heading into this event,” the Olympic gold medallist and three-time America’s Cup winner said.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The Danish boat “Rockwool Racing” on the water on Friday. (ABC News: Andrew O’Connor)<\/p>\n

“This weekend also marks Australia’s first, I would say, true race stadium experience where we’ve got grandstands right alongside the water in a venue that demands respect.”<\/p>\n

Racing gets underway today at 1pm ACDT.<\/p>\n

Several roads will be closed, including parts of North Mole Drive, Cliff Street and Fleet Street, while boats planning on leaving the harbour between 11:30am and 3pm today and tomorrow will need to navigate an amended exit route.<\/p>\n

Fremantle Ports has advised attendees to walk or get public transport to the event if possible.<\/p>\n

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