What emerged was not only a gripping race but a clarifying moment in the leaderboard narrative: France is flying, Brazil is consistent, and New Zealand—though bruised by earlier results—is still in it. Very much so.
Kiwis strike early
New Zealand had it all to play for in Race 5. Following a tactical misstep in Race 4 were desperately needed a top-tier finish. That urgency was evident from the start. The Black Foils executed one of their best launches of the event, immediately establishing themselves in the front pack and taking the early lead ahead of the UK and Australia.
France, however, was quick to respond. By Leg 3, they’d pulled ahead of New Zealand, establishing a 7-second lead. But the Kiwis weren’t dropping off. They remained in touch, never letting the gap widen too far, while Brazil—just behind—was also in the mix, knowing that anything less than third would jeopardise their final berth.
The French take command
At Gate 3, the French crew extended their advantage, with clear tactical precision and high boat speed. New Zealand followed, 10 seconds back but sailing cleanly. Brazil, which had been third, was now under pressure from a fast-closing Spain and the UK. As France extended their lead, it looked increasingly likely that they would win the race. The real contest was behind them.
The key storyline here was what France’s dominance meant for New Zealand. With the French potentially locking in top points, the Kiwis needed to ensure they stayed ahead of Brazil in this race—and, crucially, that Brazil didn’t climb too far ahead in the event standings. The difference between second and third in the fleet race could ultimately decide who made the cut for the three-boat final.
New Zealand holds off Britain
By the final gate, France was unchallenged. They crossed the line cleanly in exactly 7 minutes. But behind them, the real drama was unfolding. New Zealand, still holding second, was under direct threat from Great Britain, who had mounted a late surge up the leaderboard. Coming around the last mark, the Brits were pushing hard, trying to force a last-minute error or sneak past on speed.
But Peter Burling’s crew held their nerve. They defended their line, made a clean rounding, and held off the British attack. New Zealand crossed in 7 minutes and 12 seconds—12 seconds behind France, but crucially 9 seconds ahead of the UK.
Brazil’s slide could be costly
Brazil, meanwhile, crossed in fourth—just 13 seconds behind Great Britain. It was a respectable finish and another solid result in a weekend full of them. But it wasn’t enough to hold their place ahead of New Zealand on the overall leaderboard.
With that finish, the standings heading into the final fleet race are tight. France leads. New Zealand follows on 35 points. Brazil sits just one point behind on 34. All three are still in the running for the final—but only if they can secure their positions in Race 6.
One race to decide it all
There’s one more race before the winner-takes-all event final. For New Zealand, the scenario is clear: beat Brazil or finish close enough that Brazil doesn’t leapfrog them. France, barring disaster, is all but through. But the battle for the remaining two spots is finely balanced between the Kiwis and Brazil.
It’s a situation that demands consistency, composure and strategic clarity. As Race 5 proved, a good start is vital, but a clean finish is what counts. If the Black Foils can deliver both, they’ll make the final—and get another shot at claiming an event win on American waters.
In a series where every second matters, New Zealand has bought themselves one more chance. All eyes are now on Race 6.
