Super Sunday at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix began with an unfamiliar sightline: two of the weekend’s headline contenders absent from the start.
Following Saturday’s collision, both the Black Foils and France were sidelined, shifting focus to the remaining fleet. In response, SailGP introduced a split fleet format for the first time. Fewer boats lined up, but the pressure remained intense.
Group A featured Emirates GBR, NorthStar Canada, Germany, Mubadala Brazil and Red Bull Italy. Five boats faced a gusty Auckland breeze that offered opportunity and risk in equal measure.
Germany show early pace
Germany were quickest off the line and led into Mark 1. Their acceleration on the first reach was sharp and controlled, giving them early command of the race.
Behind them, the fleet quickly tightened. Italy faltered in the opening exchanges ceding ground. Canada sailed clean lanes staying patient. Emirates GBR remained within striking distance, resisting the temptation to force a cross in unstable breeze.
Canada move ahead mid race
As the race progressed, NorthStar Canada advanced. Giles Scott identified stronger pressure down the left and converted it into a narrow lead through the middle phase. Germany slipped back as the breeze shifted.
Emirates GBR maintained composure. Dylan Fletcher prioritised boat speed and positioning, waiting for a high percentage opportunity rather than attempting a low margin pass.
Meanwhile, Brazil and Italy fought their own battle astern, seeking to minimise points in the reduced fleet.
Fletcher executes at the final gate
The decisive moment came approaching the final gate. Canada and Emirates GBR converged tightly. Fletcher adjusted early, set up for the turn and guided Canada slightly wider through the rounding.
That margin proved decisive. Emirates GBR exited with superior angle and speed, holding the advantage to the finish. Canada crossed 1.6 seconds behind. Germany secured third place.
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emirates Great Britain | 5 |
| 2 | NorthStar Canada | 4 |
| 3 | Germany presented by Deutsche Bank | 3 |
| 4 | Red Bull Italy | 2 |
| 5 | Mubadala Brazil | 1 |
The win delivers five points to Emirates GBR under the revised split fleet scoring format. In a weekend already reshaped by Saturday’s incident, those points are important for Emirates GBR.
With New Zealand and France absent from the session, pathways to the final have shifted. However, in unsettled Auckland conditions, no position appears secure.
