The F50s, equipped with their largest 29-metre wings to harness every ounce of power from the light airs, pushed teams to their limits. Australia, however, turned these tricky conditions to their advantage, showcasing a combination of precise tactics and stellar teamwork.
Slingsby Reflects On A Stellar Day
Speaking after racing, Slingsby said, “We couldn’t be happier. We had a good start to the season. Obviously, there’s a lot more that we need to do, and we need that good day tomorrow to lock in that final position.”
A key element of Australia’s success was the debut of new wing trimmer Chris Draper, who joined the team this season, replacing Kyle Langford following his move to Red Bull Italy. Slingsby was quick to praise Draper’s impact, stating, “We all know his ability in the light airs, and he’s brought a lot of experience to our team in that area. He’s been a seamless fit.”
A Race Three Masterclass
One of the standout moments of the day came in the third race, where Australia executed a textbook-perfect start. Navigating the crowded line with precision, the team found a small gap, popped up onto the foils, and powered away from the fleet to secure a decisive win.
Slingsby recounted the move with satisfaction: “We had a little gap, snuck through, got on the foils, and sailed away. It was a great one.”
More Racing To Come
Sunday, November 24, will see the action resume at 11pm NZ time with two more fleet races. The day’s racing will culminate in a dramatic winner-takes-all final, where teams will battle for the first event victory of the 2025 season.
With Slingsby, Draper, and the rest of the Australian team in top form, they’ll be looking to build on their strong start. However, with the calibre of the competition on the SailGP circuit, no lead is ever guaranteed.
Stay tuned as SailGP Dubai delivers more thrilling action on the water.
Boating New Zealand will provide detailed reports on each race, and, of course, highlights after the event. Come to Boating NZ anytime after a race for the latest details.
