Collision sidelines the Australian team, paving the way for a thrilling win by the local favourites in Lyttelton Harbour
In an electrifying display of skill and strategy, New Zealand's 'Black Foils,' helmed by Peter Burling, triumphed at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch, seizing victory amidst the cheers of 11,000 fans. The event, marked by a 'Super Sunday' racing frenzy due to weather disruptions, saw the Black Foils dominate from the get-go, clinching the opening race and maintaining their lead through a series of intense battles on Lyttelton Harbour.
“Today has been the best day in SailGP history and to come out on the right side of it after such a battle to get into the final is something I am just blown away by. Being able to sail in front of our home crowd is something we have been looking forward to all season and to take out today in front of them has been incredible.” - Peter Burlington
A dramatic turn of events saw season frontrunner Australia exit early, their hopes dashed by a collision that damaged their F50 beyond repair. This shake-up paved the way for a thrilling final, where Burling's crew outmaneuvered their rivals, France and Canada, to emerge victorious, propelling them to the top of the season leaderboard.
“The moment was a blur. As we rounded the mark we had two boats on our inside and we looked like we were going to hit Canada. The decision was so quick but keeping the team safe is the most important thing so we went straight for the mark. It hasn’t really sunk in yet and the results are what they are, I’m just glad that all our people are safe.” - AUS Driver Tom Slingsby
With over 22,000 spectators over the weekend, the event not only celebrated the prowess of the Black Foils but also set a new record for attendance at a sailing event. The drama, the skillful navigation, and the spirited competition highlighted the SailGP as the pinnacle of high-speed, high-tech sailing. As the teams now set their sights on Bermuda, the excitement continues to build in this unparalleled racing championship.
ITM NEW ZEALAND SAIL GRAND PRIX | CHRISTCHURCH RESULTS
1 - NEW ZEALAND
2 - FRANCE
3 - CANADA
4 - SPAIN5 - GERMANY
6 - SWITZERLAND7 - EMIRATES GBR
8 - UNITED STATES
9 - ROCKWOOL DENMARK
10 - AUSTRALIA
Event penaltiesEmirates Great Britain penalized eight points for making contact with Switzerland SailGP Team during practice racing
Australia SailGP Team penalized 12 points for making contact causing boat damage with racecourse mark during Fleet Race 1. Review in process.
ROCKWOOL Denmark penalized eight points for making contact with Canada SailGP Team during Fleet Race 1
SAILGP SEASON 4 OVERALL LEADERBOARD
1 - NEW ZEALAND - 68
2 - AUSTRALIA - 59
3 - SPAIN - 55
4 - FRANCE - 54
5 - ROCKWOOL DENMARK - 50
6 - USA - 48
7 - CANADA: 46
8 - EMIRATES GBR - 45
9 - GERMANY - 27
10 - SWITZERLAND - 22