Fletcher made it clear the team is treating the weekend as unfinished business.
“The job’s not done yet,” he said.
“We’ve all seen how unpredictable SailGP can be. Our goal is simple: sail clean in the fleet races and earn our way into the Grand Final. Four teams are chasing three places, and nothing is guaranteed.”
Emirates GBR sit on 85 points, ahead of New Zealand’s Black Foils (82), Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos (80), and Spain (76). Fletcher said the team will throw everything at the final race if they qualify.
Burling injury adds pressure
New Zealand’s challenge has come under scrutiny after Driver Peter Burling severed a finger in training on Wednesday. The injury kept him ashore for Thursday’s session and cast uncertainty over the Kiwi campaign heading into the weekend.
Emirates GBR chasing a rare double
The British team have built their season on consistency, with three event wins, 11 race wins, and 29 podiums. Their work off the water has been equally notable. Earlier this week, Emirates GBR claimed the Impact League title for the second straight season, becoming the first team to do so.
Strategist Hannah Mills said the recognition meant a great deal to the group.
“Winning the Impact League again feels special. Everyone in our team contributes to this, and it’s great to see that effort acknowledged. Now we want to back it up on the water.”
Cricket stars join Emirates GBR on the water
Ahead of racing, the team hosted England cricket great Sir Jimmy Anderson and Lancashire’s Kate Cross for a Sixth Sailor Experience aboard the F50. The pair joined the crew for a high-speed run on Thursday.
Anderson came off the water buzzing.
“I’ve never done anything like it. It was unbelievable.”
Cross admitted boats and the sea aren’t usually her comfort zone, but said the experience exceeded every expectation.
“It was incredible. I loved it, which says a lot considering I usually avoid anything to do with the ocean.”
The season decider starts tonight!
Racing begins on Saturday (local time), with the final three-boat Grand Final set for Sunday afternoon (local time). One race, $2m, and the Season Championship on the line.
