Emirates GBR second overall after day 1 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
by Emirates GBR SailGP Team 18 Jan 23:33 NZDT
Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Dylan Fletcher - Race Day 1 of ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland © Ricardo Pinto for SailGP
The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team delivered a solid performance on the waters of Waitemata Harbour in the opening races of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, Auckland, leaving them in second place heading into Race Day 2.
With a sold-out grandstand of 8,000 spectators, the iconic Auckland skyline as a backdrop, and full-breeze racing conditions, the day delivered high-speed drama. For the first time in SailGP history, a fourth race was added to the schedule, much to the delight of the packed crowd. The grinders onboard the F50 race boats pushed their physical limits to power them in fast-paced, action-packed races.
The opening race began with 11 teams charging full throttle to the start line, as twelfth team France will not be competing at the event due to an issue identified with the wing on their F50. Emirates GBR made an impressive start, hitting the line with perfect timing to battle Spain for the lead at the first mark. Meanwhile, the home team, New Zealand, struggled with a late start, trailing the fleet. Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher made the call to split from Spain at the third mark, this tactical move paid off as the team took the lead and claimed victory in the day's opener.
In race two, Emirates GBR remained consistent, starting in second place behind the USA. On the downwind leg, Australia gained ground and pushed GBR back to third. Fletcher and Strategist Hannah Mills made another decisive call to split the course, opting to head to the shoreline. This move, combined with a mistake by the USA—who came off their foils after a full-nosedive—allowed GBR to reclaim second position. The team crossed the finish line just behind Australia in second place.
The third race proved challenging for Emirates GBR. After getting caught in the middle of the fleet at the start, the team rounded the first mark in 10th place and managed only to recover to 9th at the finish line.
In the final race of the day, Emirates GBR focused on keeping their strong overall position. Despite a slow start that saw them round the first mark in tenth place, the team threaded through the fleet to finish in fourth place. This performance secured Emirates GBR 28 points and second place on the event leaderboard heading into the final day of competition. Australia sits top with 34 points, while Spain is in third with 26.
Reflecting on the day, Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills commented: "It was really changeable conditions out there, with massive pressure differences across the course—sixty-degree shifts almost—so it was all on. We managed to stay consistent over the first few races, and in the last race, we stayed right in the mix. It's a small race track, but I think everyone did a really great job navigating it and making it exciting for the spectators. The crowd was amazing to race in front of, with a packed out grandstand and so many spectator boats on the water, you can hear the fans when you're racing around the course which is very cool. We can't wait to get back out there tomorrow."
With the four fleet races producing four different winners, Emirates GBR, Australia, Switzerland and New Zealand, it will be all to play for when the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland continues tomorrow. UK viewers can watch all the action live on TNT Sports 3 at 03:00 GMT.
Event website: sailgp.com