Sailing may seem leisurely for those that aren’t in the know, but for those competing, it can be very strenuous. The strength and agility needed to make decisions on the fly is astounding. At times, the boats are moving at speeds higher than 50 mph. These aren’t speeds to be trifled with, especially on the harsh open water.
Graeme Spence competes with Team USA’s Oracle sailing team, widely considered one of the best teams in the world. And recently, Spence dealt with a life-or-death scenario that he was lucky to come out from with little injury.
Here’s video of the incredible scene:
Under these boats, they have something called a hydrofoil. A hydrofoil is a razor-sharp apparatus that helps these sailors move at such quick speeds. Falling off to the side would mean the sailor is perfectly fine. Going off the front — and subsequently underneath the boat — means you’re in danger of getting sliced in half.
For Spence, this must have been one of the scariest moments of his entire career.
I’m a little baby when I fall off of a jet ski. Imagine being at risk of having your body torn to shreds by the boat you’re supposed to be helming.
What a tense moment.
[BroBible]
