High-Speed Thrills, Million-Dollar Stakes, and Soaring Tensions at the Sydney SailGP

SYDNEY—The waters of Sydney Harbour delivered a weekend of high drama and high speeds as the SailGP fleet battled through treacherous conditions, razor-thin margins, and a reshaped course that tested the best in the sport.

Last weekend’s SailGP regatta in Sydney didn’t just start with intense racing—it started with intense penalties. Even before the first official race, teams were collecting costly infractions. Team USA took an eight-point season deduction before even hitting the water after their F50 capsized during towing en route to a practice session. Germany, meanwhile, seemed to be struggling with control, first getting caught in a minor collision with Italy, resulting in an initial season point deduction, then later colliding with Brazil in a more severe incident that further penalized Germany while leaving Brazil with a broken bowsprit and a four-point season deduction and Germany with a twelve-point season deduction.

The drama wasn’t just unfolding on the water. During one of the weekend’s race cutaways, a clip aired of the Brazilian team captain venting her frustration over the points system: “Why do we have to collect points if it’s their fault?” Her frustration echoed a broader sentiment, perhaps tensions may be brewing behind the scenes this season. Germany took a twelve-point hit

On a positive note, France marked its return to the circuit. But all eyes were on Delapierre’s sponsor-less wing, a stark contrast to the sleek branding of rival teams.

Day One: A Test of Speed and Precision

Fleet Race One: Switzerland Seizes Control

Italy was hit with an early penalty after a near-miss with Brazil, but the real story was at the front of the fleet. France took an aggressive lead, pushing speeds past 75 km/h, only to be overtaken by Switzerland. Australia held second, while Spain and France fought fiercely for third. By the finish, Switzerland took the victory, with Spain edging out Australia for second.

SUI, ESP, AUS

Fleet Race Two: Great Britain’s Perfect Timing

Australia controlled the start, navigating cleanly around the first mark. Brazil held third early on but was under constant pressure from Great Britain. Switzerland, buried at the back, surged forward to sixth while Brazil and France clashed for the final podium spot. By gate five, a sudden gust propelled Great Britain ahead of Australia in the final stretch, seizing the win by mere meters.

GBR, AUS, FRA

Fleet Race Three: Speed Records Fall

With gusts pushing the F50s to 100 km/h, the fleet exploded across the start line. Australia led early, with Germany breaking into podium contention. Switzerland climbed into second, forcing Germany into third, while Italy picked up a costly penalty that sent them to the back of the fleet. Great Britain found a late surge to secure third, while Brazil and Italy suffered additional penalties near Mark 6, rounding off a punishing race for both teams.

AUS, SUI, GBR

Fleet Race Four: Australia’s Unshakable Lead

New Zealand’s race was derailed by an early penalty, leaving Australia with an open path to another dominant performance. France and Great Britain chased, with Canada momentarily in third before a penalty sent them tumbling down the standings. Great Britain and Canada battled for the final podium spot, but by the finish, Australia, France, and Great Britain locked in the top three.

AUS, FRA, GBR

Day Two: A Tactical Shake-Up

Shark Island, previously just a backdrop, became a defining obstacle on the course, forcing teams to adapt their racing strategies.

Fleet Race Five: Brazil Falters, GBR Dominates

Denmark incurred a pre-start penalty, while Great Britain led the fleet around the first mark. France and Italy were close behind but suffered penalties at Mark 3, allowing New Zealand to slip into third. Brazil’s day took a turn for the worse when a wing malfunction crippled their performance, leaving them unable to compete at full strength.

GBR, NZL, AUS

Fleet Race Six: Canada’s Late Surge

New Zealand took command early, with Canada and Germany in close pursuit. Denmark briefly surged into second, but by leg seven, Canada had found an extra gear, overtaking Denmark while Australia executed a textbook manoeuvre to grab third.

NZL, CAN, AUS

Fleet Race Seven: Switzerland Stumbles

Switzerland controlled the early stages of the race, but a near collision between Brazil and France at Mark 3 forced Brazil off their foils, disrupting their momentum. Australia climbed into second, while Germany held firm in third. Approaching Shark Island, Switzerland picked up a race-defining penalty, dropping them behind Australia and giving Germany the opening they needed to secure second place.

AUS, SUI, GER

Grand Prix: Britain, Australia & Canada Face Off

The final race brought a clash of titans; Great Britain, Australia, and Canada. The Australians attempted an aggressive manoeuvre off the start, cutting off Canada, but the move backfired, allowing Great Britain to seize an uncontested lead.

Overall Germany delivered its strongest performance of the season, finally proving its potential after weeks of inconsistency. Brazil, despite technical setbacks, showed flashes of brilliance that suggest a resurgence may be on the horizon. New Zealand overcame a slow start, ultimately settling comfortably in the middle of the fleet. Australia, the hometown favourite, proved once again why it remains one of the most dominant forces in SailGP.

The Sydney SailGP delivered everything; speed, risk, redemption. As the fleet regroups, the battle for supremacy is far from over.