New addition leads Australia Team’s triumph in Dubai during Snakes & Ladders competition
by Australia SailGP Team 23 Nov 08:09 PST
23-24 November 2024
Tom Slingsby, driver of the Australia SailGP Team, celebrates the team’s victory with Chris Draper, the wing trimmer, during Race Day 1 of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, UAE © Jason Ludlow for SailGP
The Australia SailGP Team initiated their 2025 Rolex SailGP Championship journey in a commanding fashion, putting to rest any doubts regarding the robustness of their restructured lineup. The three-time SailGP champions ascended to first place on the leaderboard following an outstanding first day of racing in Dubai.
Spectators witnessed a milestone as SailGP’s largest fleet, featuring eleven nations, assembled to compete on one of the championship’s most intricate and condensed racecourses. The variable light wind conditions in Dubai challenged all teams, transforming the day into what Tom Slingsby, the Australia Team Driver, aptly called a “game of snakes and ladders.”
Regardless of these hurdles, the Australians demonstrated remarkable improvement in their performance in light winds—an area that has previously posed a challenge for them.
Tom Slingsby acknowledged the influence of new Wing Trimmer Chris Draper on the team’s success, who joined following the contentious move of former Wing Trimmer Kyle Langford to Red Bull Italy, having been with the Australians since Season One of SailGP.
Slingsby remarked, “We are aware of Chris’s strengths in light winds, and he has contributed a wealth of experience in this regard. We’re thrilled to have him with us, and it was evident today that he integrates well into our team.”
A highlight of the day occurred during the third race when Australia executed a perfectly coordinated start, taking control of the sprint to reach the first mark, thereby distancing themselves from the competition. They finished nearly two minutes ahead of Emirates GBR, which came in second. Meanwhile, newcomer Mubadala Brazil, led by Martine Grael, delivered an exciting final sprint, passing four boats to finish in sixth place.
As day two approaches, Australia is in the lead with 24 points, closely followed by their fierce competitors, ‘Black Foils’ New Zealand, at 23 points. Emirates GBR, Canada, and the United States are tied for third, each with 18 points.
Slingsby reflected on the first day of racing, stating, “We couldn’t be more pleased; we had a fantastic day and a strong start to the season. We must focus on ensuring a great performance tomorrow to secure our spot in the final.”
Additionally, fans enjoyed a post-race performance from the renowned British rapper and singer Tinie Tempah, who provided an electrifying atmosphere to conclude the kickoff of the Rolex SailGP 2025 Championship.
Tomorrow’s races will feature the winner-takes-all Podium Final, taking place in Dubai from 09:00-10:30 PM AEDT on Sunday, with fans able to watch the action live on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports.
