Super Sunday at the Perth SailGP delivered another sharp turn in an already turbulent opening event, with Emirates GBR claiming victory in Fleet Race 5 as conditions ramped up and the battle for the event final tightened.
After Saturday’s dramatic collision ruled New Zealand Black Foils out of the remainder of the Perth event, attention shifted to whether Switzerland SailGP Team could regroup. The Swiss returned to the racecourse for Race 5 with visible repairs, rejoining an 11-boat fleet in freshened breeze and short, bumpy seas at the mouth of the Swan River.
The Fremantle Doctor was fully engaged by the time the fleet lined up. Gusts above 35 kmh and a confused sea state made boat handling the decisive factor. Denmark were bold at the start and crossed first, but the early advantage proved difficult to hold as the fleet compressed toward Gate 2 and flight stability became critical.
Red Bull Italy seized control in the opening legs, leading confidently through the early phases as Denmark and Emirates GBR gave chase. Italy’s pace was clear, but the pressure never relented. Behind them, Artemis and France found themselves mid-fleet, while the USA slipped further back than they could afford in a race where points were everything.
The decisive moment came late. Emirates GBR found speed and separation downwind, forcing a lead change at the penultimate gate. Once clear, the British team were relentless, extending away and converting cleanly to take the win in the first race of Super Sunday.
Behind them, the fight for the minor placings was frantic. Italy, Australia, Denmark and France arrived almost together in a drag race to the line, metres from the concrete shoreline. Australia edged Denmark and France in a breathless finish, underlining how little margin existed anywhere on the course.
Switzerland completed the race smoothly on their return, while Brazil rounded out the fleet and missed out on points. Artemis finished sixth, enough to keep their event alive, while the USA’s ninth place was a significant blow after a strong first day.
With two fleet races and only one final berth separating contenders, Race 5 reset the board. Emirates GBR signalled their intent, Italy showed they belong at the front, and the pressure now sits squarely on the tied leaders as Perth builds toward a decisive finish.
