SailGP: Day 2 – Dubai – Black Foils leave Dubai USD$400k richer
by Richard Gladwell, Sail-World NZ 24 Nov 05:32 PST
Peter Burling, co-CEO and driver of the New Zealand SailGP Team, celebrates on the podium as they spray rose water during Race Day 2 of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix © Christopher Pike/SailGP
New Zealand, USA, and Great Britain kicked off their Season 5 with a strong performance, reaching the Finals of Event 1 in Dubai.
Light winds persisted but were stronger than the previous day, enabling the 11 teams to achieve foiling at times.
Spain had a strong start in Race 4, positioning themselves upwind and leading at the end of the Sprint Leg to Mark 1. They maintained their lead around Gate 2 until the Kiwis surged ahead on Leg 3 and led to the finish. Their task was made simpler when the next six competitors tried to round Gate 3 simultaneously, with most coming off their foils.
Spain finished second, while Emirates GBR had a solid day, securing third place.
Rockwool Denmark claimed a dominant victory in Race 5, a highlight in an otherwise disappointing event with finishes of 1, 5, 6, 9, and 11. The USA placed second after rejoining the top pack on Leg 5, qualifying for the three-boat Final—an improvement from their Season 4 performance. By finishing in the top three in the last three races, Emirates GBR secured second overall and a spot in the three-boat final.
In the Final, New Zealand had a quicker start than the other two; however, their race began to unravel around Gate 2. They followed the left gate with Emirates GBR, while the USA gained pressure on the right, rounding Gate 3 in first, with the Brits also in a strong position on Leg 4. Nevertheless, the Kiwi team, having sharpened their skills in the America’s Cup just a month prior, found extra boat speed which they effectively utilized, earning 50% of the USD$800,000 prize available at each event in Season 5.
The second event of Season 5 is scheduled for mid-January in Auckland. This will mark the first SailGP regatta to be held on Waitemata Harbour.
