The second race of the Auckland SailGP 2025 delivered an electrifying start to the event, keeping fans on edge as the world’s fastest sailors showcased their skills on the Waitematā Harbour. Starting at 4:30 at the Viaduct Basin, the race was filled with intensity, drama, and critical errors that underscored the learning curve of these high-performance F50 foiling catamarans equipped with new T-foils.
The USA team blasted off the start line with a stunning burst of speed, seizing the lead as they rounded the first mark at 1:31. Close behind were Australia (AUS) and a tightly packed chasing group, including Great Britain (GBR), Italy (ITA), Brazil (BRA), Denmark (DEN), and New Zealand (NZL). Despite their initial momentum, Canada (CAN) found themselves at the back of the fleet for the second consecutive race, raising questions about their early regatta strategy.
Four minutes into the race, the USA and AUS were neck and neck, trading the lead with impressive precision. However, disaster struck for the USA as they fell off their foils during a downwind manoeuvre. It appears the team mismanaged the new T-foils, reportedly engaging a less stable L-foil configuration. The result was catastrophic: the boat nosedived, taking on water and effectively ending their chances for a top finish.
This mistake highlights the challenge of adapting to new technology under race conditions. Are teams prepared enough to manage the complexities of these new foils? Does this put an unfair emphasis on mechanical mastery over tactical brilliance?
With the USA faltering, the race became a lesson in adaptability. Germany momentarily seized the lead, only to be overtaken by the consistent performances of AUS, GBR, and ITA. These teams demonstrated an uncanny ability to read the racecourse and maintain control despite the gusty and unpredictable Auckland conditions.
New Zealand’s young controller, Leo Takahashi, struggled to find rhythm, leaving the Kiwi team trailing in ninth place for much of the race. Is this simply a case of growing pains for a promising talent, or is the team’s setup not yet competitive enough to challenge the leaders?
As the fleet approached the finish, AUS asserted dominance, rounding the sixth leg with an 8-second lead over GBR. The Australians flew for 97% of the race, showcasing their exceptional boat handling and speed. They crossed the finish line first, securing a hard-fought victory. GBR and ITA completed the podium, while NZL finished in a disappointing eighth place, barely ahead of CAN. For a team that dazzled in Dubai, this was a sobering result.
Can New Zealand recover their form and deliver the home crowd a reason to cheer? To do what they need to do to get into the final for Auckland they will need to deliver top-tier finishes. Will the USA find consistency, or will AUS continue their dominance? The next race will answer these questions and more as the action unfolds on the water.
