Day two of SailGP LA saw Race 6 unfold in testing conditions as teams grappled with lighter-than-ideal winds. The critical question as the F50’s approached the start line was clear: would the breeze be enough for effective foiling?
Light winds: a foiling dilemma
From the outset, teams found themselves battling conditions far from ideal for SailGP’s trademark high-speed foiling. With no boat managing a clear advantage through the starting gate, skippers and crews had their work cut out, making tactical decisions crucial from the first metres sailed.
However, Australia’s Tom Slingsby and his experienced crew quickly adapted, rounding gate one first and immediately signalling their intent. From there, Australia demonstrated flawless boat handling and strategy, despite the marginal wind conditions.
Australia break clear early
As the fleet passed gate two, Australia had built a commanding lead, with New Zealand trailing in second and France initially positioned in third. Australia’s early advantage would only grow from here, as Slingsby and crew found a consistent breeze, maintaining smooth foiling conditions where others struggled.
By gate three, Australia rounded comfortably at 2 minutes and 44 seconds, leaving New Zealand approximately 250 metres behind. The margin was significant and growing, showcasing Australia’s fantastic boat control.
Costly penalty shakes up podium fight
While Australia powered ahead, the battle for podium spots intensified. Initially, Italy had positioned themselves well, firmly occupying third behind New Zealand. However, a critical penalty incurred by the Italians at gate three drastically altered the leaderboard, dropping them from third into fourth.
France quickly seized the opportunity, moving into third place and adding to the already tight midfield competition. Such penalties, particularly in lighter conditions, prove costly and challenging to recover from, highlighting the unforgiving nature of SailGP racing.
Burling’s scare nearly costs Black Foils second place
As the race progressed, New Zealand seemed comfortably set in second place, driven by Peter Burling. However, a critical moment of instability saw the Kiwi boat drop off its foils momentarily. This costly error provided an opportunity for Italy to regain their lost ground and fight back for second position.
But Burling and the Kiwi team rapidly recovered, managing to stabilise their foils just in time to secure second place. Canada, however, capitalised on the chaos, navigating the conditions and slipping neatly into third place ahead of Italy.
Tight finish in the midfield
Behind the podium drama, the midfield saw several position changes and notable incidents. Switzerland, initially competitive, experienced a dramatic moment approaching the finish line, briefly launching off their foils and sacrificing precious seconds.
Ultimately, the Swiss managed to recover enough to secure fifth place behind fourth-placed Italy. Great Britain followed in sixth, while Germany, France, and the USA rounded out the midfield positions, each team facing individual struggles to maintain consistent foiling. Brazil, after showing brief moments of promise, finished in tenth position, while Spain, hampered by challenging manoeuvres and lacklustre conditions, came home last.
Protests and penalties add drama
Race 6 saw several on-water protests, reflecting the intensity and tight competition amongst the teams. Germany lodged an unsuccessful protest against France, while Spain’s protest was also denied. Such incidents, although ultimately unresolved in penalties, showcased the high-pressure, aggressive racing environment leading up to the final race.
Australia cruise home, setting the tone for finale
Untroubled by the drama behind them, Australia crossed the finish line in an impressive 7 minutes and 15 seconds, comfortably ahead of the chasing pack. New Zealand secured second, 1 minute and 26.7 seconds adrift, with Canada demonstrating solid tactical sailing to claim third place.
Italy followed close behind in fourth, while Switzerland, Great Britain, Germany, France, the USA, Brazil, and Spain completed the order. With only one fleet race remaining before the three-team finale, Australia’s dominant performance sent a clear warning to competitors: conditions aside, they’re the team to beat.
Setting the stage
As Race 6 concluded, attention swiftly turned to the crucial final fleet race, where every manoeuvre, every gust of wind, and every tactical decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat. Australia’s commanding form makes them firm favourites for the LA crown, yet the fight for the final three positions remains fiercely contested.
Can New Zealand or Canada shake Australia’s dominance, or will Slingsby and crew sail away with the LA victory unchallenged? One final fleet race remains to provide the answer.
