Kiwis command Race 3 as Black Foils soar in Portsmouth

After a mixed start to their campaign in Portsmouth, New Zealand’s Black Foils stormed back into the frame with a comprehensive win in Race 3 of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix. From the moment they turned mark one, there was little doubt who would be in control — the Kiwis set the tone early and never looked back.

Peter Burling and Blair Tuke steered the team to a commanding lead, making the most of a favoured left-hand turn strategy that allowed them to minimise manoeuvres and maximise speed across the breeze. Their control was such that by the final leg, they had extended their lead to more than 300 metres — a convincing margin that will buoy the team ahead of the day’s final race.

Switzerland backed up their Race 2 win with another standout performance. They slotted into second early and held firm, showing signs of rare consistency — something that has eluded the team throughout the season.

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Emirates GBR may not have started strongly, but their fightback to third was one of the day’s more impressive performances. Dylan Fletcher and his crew overtook multiple boats with sharp manoeuvres and efficient sailing, proving that local knowledge and smart tactics still count for plenty on the Solent.

Spain looked like a podium contender mid-race, but an overcooked rules challenge and a tight tactical call dropped them into fourth. Still, it was another solid top-five result for Diego Botin’s outfit, who have shown flashes of brilliance all season.

Australia’s woes continued off the start line, but Tom Slingsby clawed back to fifth, squeezing past Denmark in the final stages. Rockwool Denmark had been on track for a stronger result but were pinned in disturbed wind and dropped to sixth. Italy finished seventh, and the USA faded to tenth after showing promise earlier in the race.

Penalties to Canada and early boundary infractions left them trailing for most of the race, unable to recover and ultimately finishing in eleventh.

With three races now complete, Emirates GBR, New Zealand, and Switzerland appear locked in a tight battle for Sunday’s final. While consistency remains key, momentum is shifting — and the Black Foils have sent a clear message.

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