The United States claimed victory in the final Group B split fleet race in Auckland, capitalising on a mid race boundary penalty against Australia to secure a narrow but decisive win.
The race began at 12:28pm under shifting conditions on the Waitematā Harbour. The Americans were sharp off the line and led into Mark 1. Spain followed just seconds behind, with Australia, Switzerland and Sweden tightly grouped in pursuit.
Through the opening leg, the margins remained small. Spain stayed within ten seconds of the leader and Australia looked well positioned to challenge. With New Zealand and France sidelined following Saturday’s collision, every point carried increased significance in the compressed standings.
The defining moment came midway through the race.
Australia pushed to the right side of the course in search of stronger pressure but sailed outside the boundary. The umpires issued a penalty at 12:32:39. Although Australia completed the penalty quickly, the loss of distance proved costly in the short split fleet format.
Spain closed immediately. At Mark 3, Los Gallos trailed by just 2.3 seconds, setting up what appeared to be a three boat contest for the lead.
The United States responded with disciplined sailing. Rather than over defend, they maintained clean lanes and consistent pressure, forcing Spain to take longer routes upwind. Australia recovered pace but remained in catch up mode following the earlier penalty.
By Mark 5, the order had stabilised. The United States led, with Australia and Spain closely matched behind. Sweden and Switzerland remained within range but could not capitalise.
The United States crossed the finish line at 12:35:58 to take the win. Australia followed 10.7 seconds later, with Spain 13.7 seconds behind the leaders. Sweden and Switzerland completed the fleet within seconds.
The result underscored the tight margins of split fleet racing in Auckland’s confined and gusty conditions. In this instance, one boundary infringement proved the difference between controlling the race and chasing it.
