Emirates GBR strike first
From the start, it was Emirates GBR who looked unstoppable. Fletcher’s team hit the line clean, accelerated fastest, and rounded the first mark ahead, with France and Australia chasing. Their positioning was aggressive and clever, keeping both rivals in check.
But Sassnitz had one more twist in store. As Britain sailed into a light patch, they dropped off the foils. France seized the moment, blasting past at nearly 30 km/h quicker, and suddenly the order was reversed.
France find their rhythm
With Delapierre on the helm, France kept their cool. At Gate 3 they had built a narrow lead, but it was the tactical choices that told the story. While Britain and Australia split, Les Bleus kept to the stronger pressure and extended their advantage.
The flat water of Sassnitz rewarded clean handling. France’s manoeuvres were aggressive but precise, maintaining foiling speed when the others stalled. The gains stacked up — 200 metres at one stage — and by the final upwind, they looked the calmest boat on the course.
Australia fight back
Tom Slingsby’s Australia were never out of it. After trailing in third for much of the race, they gambled on a split at the final gate. For a moment it looked like the bold move might work, as they closed the gap on France.
But the Australians could not quite find the last gust they needed. France covered well and carried their momentum to the finish. The Flying Roos crossed second, still adding valuable points to their season tally and extending their championship lead.
France cross the line for glory
In the final metres, it was all about staying foiling. Delapierre’s crew coaxed every knot of speed from their F50, holding over 33 km/h to the line. They crossed first, finally breaking their drought and claiming SailGP Germany honours.
Australia were next, with Emirates GBR taking third after their blistering start unravelled mid-race.
A fitting finale to Sassnitz
The Grand Final summed up the entire weekend: unpredictable, high-risk, and thrilling. France’s win capped a storybook recovery, especially after their Friday training scare left doubts about their readiness. Australia proved why they are still the team to beat over a season, and Emirates GBR showed resilience in bouncing back from Saturday’s bow-crushing collision.
For the Black Foils and home team Germany, it was a weekend of missed chances, but the Sassnitz stop has already staked its claim as one of the most dramatic venues in SailGP.
