Sailing adventure with Vettel: 'Nearly took a dunk in the water' - Vettel admits near mishap during SailGP race: "I narrowly avoided being tossed from the vessel"
Sebastian Vettel, the four-time Formula 1 world champion, made a splash in the sailing world this weekend as he participated in the SailGP racing series off Sassnitz on Rügen, Germany. Vettel, who is also a co-owner of the German SailGP team, took the helm briefly, marking a rare involvement of a non-professional sailor steering an F50 catamaran at a race.
Vettel's debut on the SailGP catamaran was a thrilling experience, with the boat lifting onto the foils and starting to fly being a particular highlight. However, his first corner almost ended in disaster, with Vettel coming close to falling off the boat.
Despite the close call, Vettel expressed his admiration for the speed and raw power of the SailGP catamarans. In an interview with the "Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung," Vettel shared that the speed on the water was different from what he expected. The cornering speeds also impressed him, adding to the overall excitement of the experience.
Vettel's initial experiences with the SailGP catamaran were in Los Angeles two years ago. He was drawn to sailing due to its accessibility and the friendly, helpful, and open nature of the sport's community. Vettel also engaged closely with inclusive sailing initiatives, sailing alongside athletes with disabilities and promoting accessibility in the sport.
The SailGP racing series is no stranger to high-profile guests, with football superstar Kylian Mbappé, along with Hollywood stars Anne Hathaway, Hugh Jackman, and Ryan Reynolds, also involved in the series.
Approximately 20,000 spectators are expected for the event, which marks the first appearance of the SailGP racing series in Germany. With Vettel at the helm, the event is set to be an exciting addition to the SailGP calendar.
Regarding safety measures for beginners on SailGP catamarans like the F50, while the specific protocols Vettel followed were not detailed, several key safety aspects can be inferred. Vettel wore a specially designed racing helmet (which is standard safety gear), indicating helmets are mandatory for safety. Vettel also sailed with professional team members, implying beginners or guest sailors are supported by experienced crew to maintain safety and control. The events promoted accessibility and inclusion, suggesting adapted safety practices and assistance accommodate people with disabilities.
In summary, Sebastian Vettel’s experience on SailGP catamarans involved wearing protective gear (helmet), sailing with expert crew support, and participating in inclusive sailing efforts that emphasize safety and accessibility. Although no detailed beginner safety measures were explicitly listed, these elements collectively reflect the fundamental safety protocols for newcomers on SailGP boats.
In the midst of his SailGP adventure, Sebastian Vettel echoed the sport's friendly community, as he had earlier engaged in inclusive sailing initiatives, sailing alongside athletes with disabilities and promoting accessibility in the sport.
During high-profile events like SailGP, safety measures for beginners are primarily designed to ensure protective gear, such as helmets, are mandatory, and support from experienced crew members is essential to maintain safety and control.
