Crash course

A dramatic start to SailGP’s debut in Germany as Mubadala Brazil and France suffered damage during practice racing.

16 August 2025

A dramatic high speed crash during practice racing has ended Mubudala Brazil’s hopes of competing in the Germany Sail Grand Prix.

The front beam of the team’s F50 collapsed in a high-impact nosedive during the second practice race in Sassnitz. No crew were injured, but it is not possible to repair the boat in time for racing this weekend.

Brazil is out, while France is racing to make the start line when two days of intense racing in Sassnitz begins Saturday 16 August.

Martine Grael, driver of Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, ahead of the Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz, Germany. Friday 15 August 2025. Photo: Jonathan Nackstrand for SailGP.

USA SailGP Team helmed by Taylor Canfield leaps into the air after a manoeuvre during a practice session ahead of the Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz, Germany. Friday 15 August 2025. Photo: Jason Ludlow for SailGP.

Aerial view of Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team F50 catamaran following an incident during a practice session ahead of the Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz, Germany. Friday 15 August 2025. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP.

Crew on board Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team F50 catamaran following an incident during a practice session ahead of the Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz, Germany. Friday 15 August 2025. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP.

Over 13,000 fans will pack the Race Stadium, with all eyes on local team Germany by Deutsche Bank. Erik Heil is counting on a legion of fans to give him and his team an emotional advantage on home waters.

Meanwhile, NorthStar need to find their form to keep Championship hopes alive, and SailGP CEO Russell Coutts shares his thoughts on the inaugural Germany event.

Don’t miss the action 16 & 17 August in the inaugural Germany Sail Grand Prix | Sassnitz. Racing begins Saturday at 3.30pm CEST.

SailGP.com

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