A Tight Start
The fleet burst off the start line in an incredibly close formation. Switzerland and Brazil were first to cross, with New Zealand hot on their heels. Australia, Great Britain, and Denmark lagged slightly, but the tight-knit pack promised an intense battle.
Start Times:
SUI: 00:00.0
BRA/NZL: 00:00.01
GER: 00:00.02
ESP: 00:00.03
USA/ITA/DEN: 00:00.07
GBR: 00:00.15
AUS: 00:00.27
Germany, determined to make an impact, stormed ahead early. Canada also surged into contention, with the Swiss holding strong in the top three. New Zealand, 2nd place finisher in Race 1, kept themselves in the running with tactical positioning.
Germany Surges Ahead
By the first mark, Germany had solidified their lead, rounding at 1:57.2 minutes after the start, with Spain close behind at 2:01.0 minutes. Switzerland held on to third place at 2:15.0 minutes, while Canada and Australia weren’t far off. New Zealand trailed slightly, rounding the mark 54.7 seconds behind the Germans but well within striking distance.
Germany’s dominance continued into the second leg, where they extended their lead with clinical efficiency. Their performance showed a new level of confidence and control from a team not typically seen at the top of the leaderboard.
Notable Mark 2 Rounding Times:
GER: 4:19.1
CAN: 0:37.1 behind leader
and then the second leader group, just under a minute further behind
SUI: 1:27.3 behind leader
NZL: 1:28.1 behind leader
Switzerland and New Zealand engaged in a neck-and-neck battle for third, showcasing brilliant tactical racing.
A Battle for the Finish
As the race entered the final stages, Germany continued to lead, but Canada stayed within striking range at just 47 seconds behind by Mark 3.
Switzerland and New Zealand kept the race alive with their fierce fight for third, with New Zealand edging ahead as they rounded the mark at 1:43.6 minutes behind the Germans.
Key Mark 3 Rounding Times:
GER: 9:23.7
CAN: 0:47.0 behind leader
with New Zealand and the Swiss still very tight, this time with New Zealand slightly ahead
NZL: 1:43.6 behind leader
SUI: 1:50.9 behind leader
Germany Takes a Commanding Win
With a clear lead heading into the final leg, Germany left nothing to chance, crossing the finish line at 12:11 minutes with a commanding performance. Canada secured second place, 49.2 seconds behind, while New Zealand claimed third after another consistent race. Switzerland followed in fourth, 1:36.8 minutes behind the leaders.
Final Results:
GER: 12:11.0
CAN: 13:00.2 (0:49.2 behind)
NZL: 13:35.2 (1:24.2 behind)
SUI: 13:47.8 (1:36.8 behind)
A New Contender Emerges
Germany’s impressive win in Race 2 sets a new narrative for SailGP Dubai. While traditional powerhouses like New Zealand, Australia, and the USA have dominated, Germany’s performance proves they are a force to be reckoned with.
Race 2 Day 1 concludes with Germany leading the charge, Canada showing promise, and New Zealand demonstrating their consistency. With one more race today, and another day or racing tomorrow, the competition remains wide open.
Race 2 Points
1st place – 10 points – Germany (Total points: 14 points)
2nd place – 9 points – Canada (Total points: 11 points)
3rd place – 8 points – New Zealand (Total points: 19 points)
4th place – 7 points – Switzerland (Total points: 14 points)
5th place – 6 points – Australia (Total points: 14 points)
6th place – 5 points – Spain (Total points: 8 points)
7th place – 4 points – USA (Total points: 14 points)
8th place – 3 points – Emirates GBR (Total points: 9 points)
9th place – 2 points – Rockwool DEN (Total points: 7 points)
10th place – 1 point – Mubadala Brazil (Total points: 1 point)
11th place – 0 points – Red Bull Italy (Total points: 1 point)
Note: France SailGP Team not taking part in Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas; will be awarded bye points in Season Championship
