Tyler Letren; Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief
The latest SailGP regatta took place in Sydney, Australia, the home of the world's greatest sailors. Fans and spectators from all over Australia showed up to support the world's finest take on what proved to be the largest course of the season. With a local hot spot, Shark Island, temporarily renamed Genesis Island, served as a strategic point and a spectator lookout. The course enabled nautical speeds of up to 50 km/H on day one and 60 KM/H on day two, with several close calls and evasive manoeuvres among the top teams.
A special congratulations to the new dad, Peter Burling, who missed this event for the impending birth of his first child. Perhaps Tom will share some advice with Peter. In Burling's absence, Nathan Outteridge led the New Zealand team, securing two top-three finishes on day one alongside Nicolai Sehested of Denmark.
Day One
Race One: The United States grabbed an early lead around mark one, but Spain overtook them using Genesis Island to cut the distance to mark two. The US battled back to third position until France edged them out, nearly colliding with Denmark in the process. The US managed to regain third place with some adept sailing, but Australia, Spain, and France held onto the top three spots; Australia claimed first place.
Race Two: Spain capitalized on shifting winds to lead early and hold first position for much of the race. Great Britain briefly overtook Spain at mark three but fell back to fourth position. Spain, Australia, and Denmark took the podium spots, with Spain finishing first.
Race Three: Germany led early until New Zealand built a sizeable lead aided by a Denmark penalty. New Zealand finished first, Denmark second, and France third.
Day Two
A change to the direction and location of the course. Instead of the teams splitting on Genesis Island, the course completely shifted, moving Genesis Island from the course. With the large gusts, the teams changed and swapped their foils and sails for the larger. Canada rejoined the fleet after recovering from their mechanical issue.
Race Four: Germany, the new kids on the block, took their first Sail GP win on day two. After battling out with Denmark for first, both teams soared across the map strong. New Zealand and Germany fought the turn into leg seven. Germany effectively held the first place position and crossed the finish line, with New Zealand on their tail in second and Denmark trailing behind, securing third.
Race Five: France led the f50s to mark one, Spain and Canada coming around the back, holding tight to the podium position. Spain managed to grab a penalty around the mark three, having not given Canada enough room. The French flew across the map and around the gate while the rest of the fleet. Quentin Delapierre led the French across the finish line in the first place; Canada was behind, with the USA holding tight to third place.
Grand Prix
The Grand Prix saw one final change to the map. The top three teams of the weekend face off to show why they should be champions. The final three raced across the map at speeds over 60km/h
Denmark, Australia, New Zealand
Denmark nearly missed the start line, and New Zealand and Australia crossed early and fell back, letting Denmark through and around Mark One with New Zealand in the third. The Aussies managed to get to the front of Denmark with a quick manoeuvre, securing first place. Denmark and Australia spent their time battling it out for first on the water while the Kiwis held back. The Aussies hunted and took home the win