WITH the King's Cup and SailGP arriving in Cowes, Islanders were treated to a whole host of sailing action.

With the first day of racing called off on account of the weather, and all six teams hungry for glory, an action packed Super Sunday saw the Great Britain team crash out of the inaugural SailGP competition ­— quite literally.

Thousands of fans came out in force to cheer on the red, white and blue wingsailed catamaran, and a packed grandstand and bustling race village welcomed the home team as they sailed just metres from the shore alongside their five rivals; Australia, China, France, Japan and the United States.

Having exceeded expectations to take both wins in Thursday’s official practise racing, the pressure was on for the British to perform on home waters, but the team remained level headed going into the day’s racing.

Before the race, Dylan Fletcher of team GB said: "Six boats, with that forecast ­— we will be getting close to and possibly punching over the 50-knot mark.

"It’s going to be the first time all six boats are going that fast ­— that close together ­— so fingers crossed we all keep it clean and keep the rigs in the sky."

Dylan's concerns were well placed.

Just seconds into the first of three scheduled fleet races, the American team were hit by a gust on the bear away and capsized.

Meanwhile, the Australian team stormed ahead, as Dylan and team battled for second.

Having rolled the Japanese to jump into second place, the British team suffered a devastating crash, nose diving heavily into the Solent.

Sadly, the damage to the boat was enough that it meant no more racing for the home team.

With damage to the fairing, a broken pedestal and hydraulic damage, the British F50 was towed from the race area while a further two races continued without them.

In Britain's absence, the Australian crew had a storming event, winning all three Super Sunday races, and breaking the 50 knot barrier in the process.