The final Round Robin flights: A tight race to the top
Starting the day with Flights 21 and 22, it was all about securing positions for the quarter-finals. By this stage, the leading sailors had a clear path, but those in the middle of the pack fought fiercely for their place in the next round. Two skippers stood out as dominant forces: Cole Tapper (AUS) and Ange Delerce (FRA). Both closed the Round Robin phase with stellar 9 (wins)-2 (losses) records, showing consistency and a deep understanding of the conditions.
Here’s how it unfolded:
- Flight 21: Ange Delerce narrowly edged out Cole Tapper in a tactical showdown, a result that underscored Delerce’s ability to find gaps where none seem to exist. Meanwhile, Timothée Rossi (FRA) scored an upset against Tom Higgins (IRL), showcasing the unpredictable nature of match racing.
- Flight 22: Tapper bounced back with a convincing win over Josh Hyde (NZL), whose aggressive approach occasionally left him vulnerable. Delerce capped his Round Robin run with another win, solidifying his position as a semi-final favourite.
By the end of the Round Robin, the standings reflected the hard-fought battles. Tapper and Delerce led the pack, followed by Justin Callahan (USA), Marius Westerlind (SWE), and Josh Hyde (NZL). This set the stage for an electrifying quarter-final lineup.
Quarter-finals: Drama and decisive moves
As the competition entered its knockout phase, every match became a do-or-die affair. The four quarter-finals provided a mix of commanding performances and nail-biting finishes. Let’s dive into each one:
Quarter-final 1: Ange Delerce (FRA) vs. Tom Higgins (IRL)
This was a story of calculated aggression versus resilience. While Higgins managed to steal one race, Delerce’s mastery in the pre-start manoeuvres and his ability to exploit wind shifts gave him a 3-1 victory. His precision in tight spots set him apart, ensuring he sailed into the semi-finals with confidence.
Quarter-final 2: Cole Tapper (AUS) vs. Matias Rossing (DEN)
Tapper didn’t leave anything to chance. A flawless 3-0 sweep saw him dominate Rossing, who struggled to find rhythm against Tapper’s textbook control of boat speed and positioning. Tapper’s ability to anticipate his opponent’s moves and stay one step ahead was a masterclass in match racing.
Quarter-final 3: Josh Hyde (NZL) vs. Justin Callahan (USA)
This quarter-final delivered the biggest upset of the day. Hyde not only won, but he did so in a commanding 3-0 fashion. Callahan, who had been consistent through the Round Robin phase, couldn’t keep up with Hyde’s sharp decision-making. Hyde was particularly effective at capitalising on Callahan’s mistakes, showing that preparation and adaptability are key in knockout racing.
Quarter-final 4: Marius Westerlind (SWE) vs. Timothée Rossi (FRA)
This was the most tightly contested battle, going to five races. Westerlind eventually prevailed 3-2, thanks to his calm under pressure and ability to execute clean tacks in high-stress moments. Rossi pushed hard but couldn’t maintain the same level of precision in the final race.
What we learned from Day 3
- Consistency wins races
Tapper and Delerce have been models of consistency throughout the championship. Both have demonstrated the ability to adapt to different opponents and conditions, a trait that will be crucial as the pressure mounts. - Upsets shake the narrative
Josh Hyde’s dominant quarter-final performance was the biggest surprise of the day. His ability to dissect Callahan’s strategy and apply unrelenting pressure speaks to his growth as a competitor. He’s no longer just a crowd favourite; he’s a genuine contender. - Pre-start tactics matter
Across all the quarter-finals, the pre-start phase was decisive. Skippers who controlled the start often gained an early advantage, forcing their opponents to play catch-up. This trend is likely to continue into the semi-finals.
Semi-finals preview: Clashes to watch
With the semi-final matchups set, the tension is palpable. Ange Delerce, Cole Tapper, Josh Hyde, and Marius Westerlind have emerged as the top four, each bringing unique strengths to the table. While the exact pairings are still to be confirmed, a potential showdown between Tapper and Hyde is already generating buzz.
- Cole Tapper: The Australian skipper is clinical, confident, and seemingly unstoppable when he finds his rhythm. If he meets Hyde, he’ll need to neutralise the Kiwi’s aggressive style.
- Josh Hyde: Buoyed by his quarter-final upset, Hyde is riding a wave of momentum. His unpredictability makes him dangerous, particularly against more methodical sailors like Tapper.
- Ange Delerce: The French skipper is the most technically polished in the fleet. If he faces Westerlind, expect a battle of precision and patience.
- Marius Westerlind: The Swede’s resilience was on full display in his quarter-final. His ability to stay composed in tight situations will be tested against more aggressive opponents.
Looking ahead to Day 4
Day 4 promises to deliver even more drama, with the semi-finals, petit-finals, and finals on the schedule. Can Cole Tapper maintain his dominance? Will Josh Hyde continue his giant-slaying run? Or could Ange Delerce’s tactical brilliance carry him to the top?
One thing’s for sure—this championship is far from over, and the best is yet to come.
