US SailGP Team Driver Taylor Canfield Vows To “Stay the Course”
Shortly after a heartbreaking capsize in the Sydney SailGP event, journalist Craig Ligibel caught up with US driver Taylor Canfield via Zoom. Here are Canfield’s thoughts on the present and future of SailGP Team US.
Despite SailGP co-founder and CEO Russell Coutts’ suggestion that the SailGP US team should “put their egos aside and start thinking of bringing some of the incredible, young US talent into their line-up,” US boat driver Taylor Canfield is confident in the abilities of his 100 percent US team and vows to “stay the course” with the team currently in place as the league makes the jump across the Pacific for two March races in California, followed by a groundbreaking event in Rio de Janeiro and a June return to New York City.
“SailGP management can say what they want,” says a determined Canfield. “The composition of our team is ours to decide. We feel we have the talent and the developmental program to put a quality team on the water. We can get our share of podium finishes by continuing to ‘Push … Push … Push.'”
With reference to Coutts’ comments, Canfield continues, “We believe in our group of people. We are going to stand by them. We want to show the world we have some great people to take us to the top level of SailGP.”
Is Canfield intimidated by Coutts’ interest in his team? “It’s great to see upper management singling out some key players they think they can help out. We have a development program in place. We will find the right time to introduce new people. It’s not like you can plug new people into the team and expect them to perform. There are only a handful of sailors with experience to make an impact. As a team we have only been together for a couple of races. We need time on the water to get to know the boat and each other.”
“Operator error” was the official SailGP comment re the dramatic capsize that left the US boat unable to compete. This was the second time in two years that crew error took the US boat out of the running.
In assessing his team’s performance to date, Canfield is optimistic about the ability of his crew to continue to make progress in mastering the steep F50 learning curve.
“These are high-powered machines. They perform best when sailed hard. We need to do a better job at the top end. Just like in Formula One, you’re gonna make mistakes. That’s part of the process. You can’t go around worrying about getting fired. Our ownership is behind us.”
Thirty-six-year-old world match-racing champion Canfield took over from Jimmy Spithill midway through Season Four. New owner Mike Buckley promised a new look. Performance to date has been less than spectacular.
Canfield is confident his team can overcome its slow start. “Sailing in front of a home crowd is a motivating factor. We will continue giving it our all … and hope to finish the season within striking distance of the Grand Final.”
For ticket information and event dates, go to: www.sailgp.com.