Auckland ferry cuts through SailGP practice causing drivers to swerve

A passenger ferry cuts across the fleet during a practice session ahead of SailGP's debut event in Auckland. Photo / Bob Martin, SailGP

• An Auckland ferry forced SailGP catamarans to divert when it cut through a practice session last week.
• The ferry had right of way and maintained a safe distance from the catamarans, according to Auckland Transport.
• The video of the incident has amassed 2.8 million views, with SailGP confirming all safety precautions were taken.

An Auckland passenger ferry has been captured on video cutting through a SailGP practice forcing the catamarans to take evasive action to miss it.

Auckland Transport said the ferry, heading to Bayswater, had right of way and there was no risk to passengers.

The video, posted by the official SailGP account on Instagram, had amassed 2.8 million views and over 300 comments.

The footage showed the Great Britain and Canadian racing craft forced to steer around the ferry as they sprinted off the start line.

“Nothing gets in the way of the Bayswater ferry,” one commenter said.

“Ahh, sailing with obstacles now. Adds a bit more of a challenge,” another wrote.

Others were concerned for the safety of passengers and crew.

“Somebody’s getting fired.”

AT said the Bayswater ferry “slowed down” for the several SailGP catamarans in the harbour.

A passenger ferry cuts across the fleet during a practice session ahead of SailGP's debut event in Auckland. Photo / Bob Martin, SailGP

“In this instance, the ferry’s skipper had been called through by the race marshal.

“At no point did the ferry get to within 50 metres of any of the SailGP catamarans, and passenger safety was never put at risk.”

Kiwi sailor Andy Maloney, whose Brazilian team was racing in the other half of the fleet on Thursday, said the league was making sure the teams were aware of other boats on the water.

“It was something the league was managing well, giving us different statuses of how many boats were on the race track and when to take caution and keep your eyes out for certain vessels,” he told the Herald.

“They had it under control, but it was weird to see that replay of the ferry going through the foiling site.”

The account replied to concerned commenters explaining that “all necessary safety precautions were taken”.

They also joked that the ferry was not handed down any “penalties”.

“Just a stern warning.”

SailGP has been approached for comment.

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