SailGP teams return to Taranto, Italy, this weekend 23/24 September for the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix.
Only nine teams took part, New Zealand was unable to compete in Taranto following the collapse of their wing mast at the last event. They will be granted a fifth-place finish and six competition points for Taranto following a rule amendment by SailGP.
New Zealand, Spain and Emirates GBR have each claimed victory in the opening three events of SailGP Season 4. But, Tom Slingsby’s Australia remains at the top of the overall Leaderboard thanks to consistent performance throughout.
There were three fleet races on Saturday, to be followed by two fleet races and a matchrace on Sunday to determine the event winner.
First race to Tom Slingsby and the Australian Team, chased home by Ben Aisnlie and Emirates GBR with Quentin Delapierre’s France taking third.
For race 2 Germany had to retire from any further racing with board damage Saturday, so down to eight boats for race 2.
In race 2 it was Slingsby all the way again, with Ben Ainslie again in second, closer this time, just 6 seconds.
Denmark followed in third place, then France fourth.
For race 3 it was Nicolai Sehested and the Danish team who grabbed the start, lead ing all the way.
Second were France and third the Brits.
The USA had a man overboard after a jump/crash. Flight controller Hans Henken was injured after the USA F50 crashed down into the water. Henken is conscious, is responding well, and was been taken to hospital where a full examination is taking place.
Australia and Emirates GBR are at the top of the leaderboard tied on points after the first day of white-knuckle racing in Taranto.
Both teams finished the day tied on 26 points after an action-packed day of racing, while Delapierre’s France rebounded to finish the day in 3rd.
