Australia wins again, France goes out in flames in the last fleet race in SailGP Rio

The final fleet race of the Rio event had barely started when France’s regatta ended. Quentin Delapierre and DS Automobiles France fouled Germany at the start, the windward boat failing to keep clear, and the umpires went straight to the black flag. Instant disqualification. Eleven boats now instead of twelve.

Switzerland led at the first mark, 2 seconds clear of Sweden, Australia third just 3.2 seconds off the pace. USA picked up a penalty at the second mark for fouling Canada and served it quickly. Canada collected three penalties later in the race for fouling Italy and dropped to the back. The fleet was tight and messy through the early marks, and the race within the race between USA and Spain for the final qualifying spot was already playing out. BONDS Flying Roos and Sweden’s Artemis Racing both looking confirmed for the finals. Four points now separated USA and Spain coming into the race. Either could make the final, and both knew it.

Spain read it better. USA got caught in traffic mid-race, pushed into the left side of the course too early, and lost ground they couldn’t get back. Spain avoided the congestion, took the favoured gate, and came through. When USA found themselves seventh and Spain fourth with two legs to go, the maths had shifted decisively.

By the fifth mark Australia led, Germany 15 seconds back, Sweden third at 20 seconds. Australia had moved through the fleet without fuss, rounding the first mark just 3.2 seconds off the leader and taking the lead by the fifth mark. Germany stayed right with them through the final leg, the two boats arriving at the finish line together. Australia took the gun by seven tenths of a second. Sweden third at 32 seconds, Spain fourth and into the final, Switzerland fifth, Denmark sixth, USA seventh, Brazil eighth, Italy ninth, GBR tenth, Canada eleventh.

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Three race wins in a row on Sunday. Fifty-eight fleet race points across seven races, the highest total at any event since season five in Sydney. Slingsby had left day one, reportedly unhappy with an umpiring call. Whatever that stirred up, the fleet spent Sunday watching the result of it.

Artemis finished third in race seven and confirmed their place in the final, their first ever event final as a team. For Outteridge, Andy Maloney, Brad Farrand and the crew, it is new territory. Los Gallos take the third qualifying spot, Botin and the new ownership group heading into the final with the confidence of a team that has made this stage consistently.

The final three: Australia, Artemis, Los Gallos. One race. Winner takes all.

Race results

Fleet race 7 results

Fleet race total results

Note although Artemis lies second in this table the event points places Los Gallos in second and taking the nine points.

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