APEX Group Bermuda SailGP Regatta 2024

Tyler Letren; Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief

May 10th, 2024

The APEX Group Bermuda SailGP regatta took place last weekend, featuring high-speed racing on one of the larger courses in the SailGP calendar. The US team's F50 unfortunately capsized during a practice session the day before, breaking a wing and resulting in their absence from the Bermuda event. This left nine teams to compete in the exciting two-day regatta.

Day 1

Race 1

The Australians led over the start line, with teams hitting blistering speeds up to 70km/h. The French were hot on the Aussies' heels, while Canada found their way into second place ahead of France as the Australians dominated the course. On leg five, New Zealand made a charge from fourth to second place at the mark, with Germany also climbing up to fifth. New Zealand and Canada battled for second position on the final leg, but Canada's maneuvers kept them ahead in second as New Zealand took third.

Race 2

Germany, Australia, and Canada led over the start line to mark one, managing to get an inside position initially. Australia and Germany broke away from the boundary, with Germany picking up a penalty for a boundary infringement. Spain slipped ahead briefly before Australia regained control. Germany battled Spain for second but ultimately dropped behind Denmark into fourth. Australia and Canada dominated for the first and second place finish, splitting for different mark gate options on leg three before Australia recaptured the lead on leg six.

Race 3

Spain and Denmark led over the start, with Spain grabbing the lead around mark one and Canada chasing hard. Canada managed to slip into first place, with Australia close behind Spain. Slingsby's Aussie team moved into first on leg three, with Spain leading into leg four and Australia and Denmark challenging. Denmark then surged into the lead, battling with Spain for the win while also aggressively fending off a challenge from Australia to relegate them to third place behind the leading duo.

Day 2

Race 4

The Swiss team led over the start line and around mark one, with Spain charging up from behind into second place and Germany third. Canada and Denmark then climbed into the podium positions, with the Swiss extending their lead through the gate on leg three.

Race 5

The Swiss team suffered a partial capsize off the start line. France was blocked off the line by Spain, who led alongside the Kiwis, Australians, and Denmark initially. Spain held the lead into the first mark, chased by Denmark and New Zealand. The Kiwis then snatched the lead from Spain, with France up into third before the Australians blasted past both into second place.

Final

The final race saw Spain, New Zealand, and Australia vying for the podium. Spain managed to slip inside the Kiwis off the start for an early lead, with the Aussies towards the back. New Zealand gained on the inside through leg three to take over the lead, with Spain chasing hard and Australia struggling at the rear. The intense battle continued to the final mark between Spain and New Zealand.

Overall it was an exhilarating regatta showcasing the incredible speeds and tight racing of the SailGP series on the challenging Bermuda race course.