The Waitematā Harbour at Auckland was the scene of high drama today as the final fleet race of the Auckland SailGP unfolded in front of an eager crowd. With only three teams—Australia, Great Britain, and Spain—fighting for the ultimate prize, the atmosphere was electric, and the stakes were high.
From the moment the starting gun sounded, Australia set the tone. At the start line, Great Britain surged ahead briefly, only to falter midway through leg 2 when they fell off their foils. That slip effectively ended their campaign, leaving Australia and Spain in a fierce two-team duel.
Australia took an early lead, crossing Mark 1 just seconds ahead of Great Britain, with Spain trailing in third. However, as the race progressed, it became clear that this would be Australia’s race to lose. By Gate 2, Australia had established a commanding lead with Spain trailing by 5 seconds. Great Britain was already struggling to stay competitive, falling further behind.
Australia’s performance in leg 3 was nothing short of a masterclass. With pinpoint precision and near-flawless execution, they demonstrated why they are the reigning champions of SailGP. Spain, to their credit, pushed hard to close the gap, but Australia’s superior tactics and 100% foiling rate made them nearly untouchable.
Gate 4 saw Australia extend their lead further, rounding the mark at 4:56, with Spain a mere 7 seconds behind. The gap was narrow, but Australia’s consistency ensured they remained in control.
The most dramatic moment came during leg 5 when Spain, sensing an opportunity, attempted a high-risk manoeuvre at the gate to overtake Australia. The move, while aggressive, backfired spectacularly, costing Spain over 200 metres and effectively handing Australia a decisive advantage.
At this level of competition, such split-second decisions can define careers and seasons. Did Spain’s bold move reflect desperation, or was it an example of the calculated risk-taking that makes SailGP so thrilling? Either way, it underscores the unforgiving nature of the sport.
As Australia rounded the final gate and surged towards the finish line, the result was no longer in doubt. The Aussies crossed the line with a race time of 8:37, securing a resounding victory. Spain followed 22 seconds later, a respectable second-place finish but undoubtedly one tinged with frustration. Great Britain, meanwhile, brought up the rear, never quite finding their rhythm in this high-stakes race.
Tom Slingsby once again proved why he is one of the most formidable figures in the sailing world. His leadership of the Australian team was clinical, strategic, and inspiring. Under his command, Australia not only executed a flawless race but also sent a strong message to their rivals: they are the team to beat.
Spain’s performance was a tale of near-misses and bold gambles. Their relentless pursuit of Australia kept the race alive, but their ill-fated gamble at Gate 5 ultimately cost them the chance to truly challenge for the win. While their second-place finish is commendable, it raises questions about their decision-making under pressure. Was it a miscalculation, or simply the kind of high-stakes risk-taking that sailing demands?
For Great Britain, the race was a sobering reminder of the razor-thin margins in SailGP. Falling off their foils early on effectively ended their challenge, and they were never able to recover. Despite making it to the final, their performance raises questions about consistency and execution.
As the Auckland SailGP series concludes, Australia’s victory cements their position as the team to beat in this championship. But with Spain showing flashes of brilliance and Great Britain capable of better performances, the competition remains fiercely contested.
Looking ahead, the question remains: can any team dethrone Australia? With their flawless execution and sharp tactics, the Aussies appear nearly invincible. Yet, as today’s race demonstrated, even the smallest mistake or boldest gamble can tip the scales in this thrilling sport.
For now, Tom Slingsby and his team will celebrate a well-earned victory. But the rest of the fleet will no doubt be analysing every moment of today’s race, searching for weaknesses to exploit in the battles to come.
The City of Sails has once again delivered a spectacle worthy of its reputation, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the SailGP saga.
Our congratulations to the Australian team on a series well raced!
