Was Burling really at fault? Perth SailGP collision explained

“Was Peter Burling really at fault for the collision and if he was, is there really anything we could reasonably expect him to do?” That’s the key question Tom ‘Mozzy’ Morris explains in his deep-dive analysis into the controversial collision between New Zealand’s Black Foils and Switzerland at the Perth Sail Grand Prix.

Using graphics and video action from the incident, Mozzy investigates a “grey area where a boat initially acquires the right of way or changes course” as he considers why the accident happened, and whether Burling had a choice of action to avoid it. He also asks the same question of the Swiss.

Finally, did a late rule change – made on the same day as the collision – let the Black Foils off the hook even though they were judged at fault? And does that mean the Swiss have a case for feeling hard done-by? Both teams left Perth feeling aggrieved and on zero points for the season…

SailGP returns to Auckland next month, and if Perth is any indication, this season will be fought on the finest of margins. New crew combinations across the fleet and a competitive Artemis debut mean nothing is guaranteed.