By Tyler Letren; Founder, CEO, and Editor-in-Chief
July 15, 2024
DAY ONE
The final race of the season saw Australia, New Zealand, France, and Spain competing fiercely for the last grand prix of the season. With Australia and New Zealand holding the first and second pole positions, respectively, the French and Spanish teams battled on the water to secure enough points to finish in the top three, competing for the two million dollar cash prize.
This weekend's regatta saw speeds reaching up to 78 km/h and higher.
Fleet Race One
The USA, France, and Denmark crossed the starting line first, with the USA holding third position. The French team rounded gate two first, closely followed by Denmark. Australia was in third place. The USA incurred a penalty that caused them to slip from third to tenth. Delapierre led the race from start to finish.
Final positions: France, Denmark, Canada
Fleet Race Two
All teams grabbed the wind's pull-through mark one at the start. While the French fought the Spanish for third place in the Grand Prix, Australia led the fleet with the French close behind in second and Great Britain in third. Around leg four, the Canadians picked up a penalty, sending them down the standings. The French also received a boundary penalty, causing them to fall off the foils at the last minute.
Australia crossed the finish line first, with Great Britain behind, and the French fell off near the last mark. New Zealand finished right behind the French, with Canada and Denmark overshooting, leading to Denmark going out of bounds and Canada hitting the finish mark in a quick manoeuvre to cross the line. Denmark had to turn around to officially cross the finish line.
Fleet race two ended with intense competition near the finish.
Fleet Race Three
The French team nearly collided with Spain at the starting line. Spain was in ninth, and France in fourth. The US F50 held the second position, with Denmark in first around mark two. Denmark, the USA, and France were the top three around mark three. New Zealand moved up, with the French receiving a boundary penalty, dropping to fourth. Great Britain climbed to second, with Denmark holding the first position, leading the fleet at speeds up to 78 km/h. Great Britain received a penalty.
Final positions: Denmark, Great Britain, France
DAY TWO
The final day of racing saw the Spanish and French teams on the edge of their seats, both holding 81 points and tied for a spot in the final three. However, the French racked up 26 points over the weekend compared to Spain's 14.
Fleet Race Four
Australia and New Zealand crossed the starting line with Canada flying up on the inside to mark one, while the French and Spanish teams trailed behind in ninth and tenth positions, respectively. Canada led the fleet around gate two, with the high San Francisco winds nearly capsizing the German F50 around mark two. Australia claimed first position with Great Britain on their heels and Denmark holding tight to a top-three spot. Canada moved into second place.
France climbed to fourth, with Spain reaching eighth. A wind gust caused a near capsize of the French boat, pushing Spain up to sixth. France and Spain battled for fifth, with the French staying ahead.
A collision between France and Denmark near the mark circle resulted in Spain crossing the line in sixth, bumping France out of the final and securing their spot in the Grand Prix.
Final positions: Australia first, Canada second, New Zealand third.
Fleet Race Five
Australia led the fleet with Denmark and Canada battling for third. Australia pushed speeds of 90 km/h around the first mark. Germany picked up a penalty at leg three, and Spain held fourth place.
Grand Prix
Spain led to mark one with Australia right on their tail, and New Zealand made their way around. Australia took the leg mark high with a heavy lean on the left nose, opening the door for New Zealand to come around the mark on the inside.
Spain crossed the finish line first, followed by Australia in second and New Zealand in third.
Spain had the greatest underdog season, from their first-ever win in Los Angeles to winning the season four Grand Prix. The Spanish team delivered an incredible performance. I had a fantastic time covering the sport in full this season, and I can’t wait for the challenge of next season.
Congratulations to the season four winners, Spain. Great job to everyone else. This is a spectacular sporting event.