Geneva debut brings high stakes
Australia’s SailGP team, the BONDS Flying Roos, are aiming for redemption as the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix gets underway this weekend on Lake Geneva. After placing fifth in France when storms cut racing to a single day, skipper Tom Slingsby admits the result was below par – but insists his crew remain firmly in the hunt.
“We all wanted to race, especially us having not had our best first day, but we’re still in the hunt,” said Slingsby at the pre-race press conference. “If we do what we know we can then we’ll make that final.”
Turning setbacks into fuel
The France result dropped the Australians to third on the overall leaderboard, behind the Black Foils (NZL) and the French. For Slingsby, who has led his team to three titles in four SailGP seasons, the challenge is as much mental as tactical.
“I think it’s nice having a quick turnaround after not such a great event,” he said. “You have less time to dwell on it all.”
Slingsby underlined the high standards expected within the squad. “Our team is in a good position if we’re calling a fifth place a bad event. We made some mistakes and we paid for it. We’re going to rectify those problems and hopefully get back into the top three here.”
Aussies set for fightback
As SailGP makes its highly anticipated debut on one of Europe’s most iconic lakes, the Australians will be under pressure to reassert themselves as the league’s benchmark. With light-air foils expected to play a role in Geneva, the team’s adaptability could prove decisive.
Fans can expect the BONDS Flying Roos to come out firing, determined to prove that one bad day doesn’t define champions. For Slingsby and crew, Geneva offers not just a race, but a chance at redemption.
