If the first race of SailGP San Francisco is anything to go by, we’re in for a leg of high-stakes, aggressive sailing and edge-of-the-seat finishes. France came out firing, taking control early and holding off a relentless Australian charge to claim victory. But this wasn’t a one-horse race—Spain was breathing down their necks, and New Zealand showed signs of life in the latter stages. Meanwhile, the U.S. team languished at the back, a disappointing performance for a home crowd expecting more.
The power of a strong start
The opening of the race proved once again that a strong start dictates the flow. France took an aggressive approach, making their presence known and forcing Australia into second-guessing their tactics. Being at the front allowed them to dictate positioning, controlling their manoeuvres with precision. By the time they rounded the third gate, they had already started to carve out a small but meaningful lead.
Meanwhile, Spain and Australia engaged in a heated battle for second place, matching each other move for move. The French team, however, held their nerve, hitting Gate 4 at 6 minutes 37 seconds, keeping their advantage intact. New Zealand, despite a slow start, steadily climbed the leaderboard, making their way into fourth place.
The Battle for the Finish Line
The drama peaked in the final leg. France, looking comfortable, made a costly error just a few hundred metres from the finish. Their boat dropped off the foils, momentum stalled, and suddenly, Australia had a shot. In a nail-biting finale, the French managed to recover just in time, maintaining just enough speed to scrape over the line a mere 2.5 seconds ahead of Australia.
Spain was in the mix until the last moment, almost edging out Australia for second place. This finish was everything SailGP promises—tight, tactical, and exhilarating. Anyone who says this competition lacks excitement clearly wasn’t watching.
Who’s hot, who’s not?
With France taking the win, the question now is whether they can carry this dominance forward or if their near-collapse at the end signals vulnerability. Australia and Spain showed they’re real contenders, pushing hard and showing tactical discipline under pressure.
New Zealand’s comeback was promising, securing fourth despite a sluggish start. Canada and Italy were consistent but not outstanding, while the back half of the fleet—Great Britain, Switzerland, Germany, Brazil, and, surprisingly, the U.S.—were simply too far behind to matter. The Americans’ poor performance at home raises big questions about their ability to compete this season.
What this means going forward
If Race 1 has set the tone, strong starts will be key in the San Francisco leg, with no lead safe. France proved they have the firepower to win, but their near stumble at the end left the door open for Australia, Spain, and possibly New Zealand.
One thing’s for sure—SailGP San Francisco has started with a bang, and if the rest of the season matches this intensity, we’re in for one hell of a ride.
