Deep Dive: The Driver
In the first part of a new series examining the roles of each crew member, we take a closer look at the Driver
Published 03/26/2025
Optimizing the performance of the high-tech F50 catamarans used in SailGP requires a team effort with each member of the six-strong crew assuming specialized roles. In this series, we’ll be taking a closer look at each, starting with the Driver.
While it would be unfair to suggest any one job on the F50 is more important than the rest, the role of the Driver is central to every other aspect of what happens on the water. For the U.S. SailGP Team, that position has been filled by Taylor Canfield since November 2023.
So, what is the Driver responsible for? There is no short answer but, boiling it down, they are the crew members who take charge of the path the boat takes on the course, lead on communication with the rest of the crew and also determining starting strategy. It is a lot to take on and that is why we’re kicking this series off with a deep dive into the role.
Deciding the course the F50 will take is not as simple as getting from one mark rounding to the next in the least time possible. Before reaching that stage, the Driver plays a crucial part in getting the boat to the start line. Not only in crossing the line at speed with the right timing - the crew don’t have the luxury viewers have of seeing it turn white! - but determining the best position within the fleet. With 12 boats jostling for position in the start box, finding a spot with a clear run - all without arriving too early and incurring an OCS (on-course side) penalty - is imperative and sets the team up for the rest of the race.
From there, the Driver’s focus is on finding the most efficient route around the course. This is complicated by a number of factors, not least the position of the other F50s. Positioned at the back of the boat, the Driver has a small window in the wing through which they can look to survey the fleet. In this regard, the Strategist - Mike Buckley for the U.S. SailGP Team - will assist.
The position of the rest of the fleet is far from the only factor for the Driver to consider. As we know, the more wind the better. More time foiling and the F50 goes faster as a result. So the Driver must read and react to the changing conditions, to drive performance and efficiency.
To do this, the Driver is in control of a pretty high-tech carbon fiber - everything on the F50 is built to be as light as possible - steering wheel. On the face of it, this doesn’t look too different from the steering wheel you’d find in most vehicles. But upon closer inspection, there are an array of gadgets at the Driver’s disposal.
There is a brightly colored dial that allows for changing the sensitivity of the control systems dependent on the weather. There are five other preset buttons that each team can customize for their needs. On the top of the wheel there are two rubber grip twists - these are used to control the height of the F50, something the Driver will do when the Flight Controller (Hans Henken) is crossing.
When foiling, the wheel is incredibly sensitive and the Driver is unlikely to adjust it by more than 5-10° as any minor movement could risk throwing the F50 off course entirely. When the boat is going slower, bigger movements can be made. Finally, there are two pedals beneath the Driver’s seat that control when the boards go up or down when tacking or jibing.
The other big part of the Driver’s role is communication. They lead the on-board comms and this can be from something as simple as shouting ‘Stand-by!’, instructing the crew to get get ready to cross the boat in a maneuver, right through to relaying instructions and tactical plans. As in most sports, the longer a crew is together, the greater the understanding and the less communication required.
Someone who is new to the fleet for Season Five of SailGP is Brazil’s Driver: Martine Grael. Appointed in September last year, Grael became the first female Driver in SailGP history. With gold medals from the 2016 and 2020 Olympic Games, she will be looking to add to her personal haul with the first-ever South American team competing in SailGP.
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