SailGP: Australia masters light wind conditions to top leaderboard on opening day of Dubai

Sporting a new livery and racing for the first time with new wing trimmer Chris Draper, the Aussies executed superb tactical decision making to pick up consistent 3-5-1 race results, taking the win in the third fleet race.

It marks a turnaround for the Aussies, who have historically struggled in light wind conditions.

Peter Burling’s New Zealand also seemed unruffled by the disruption of its crew configuration following the transfer of Andy Maloney to Mubadala Brazil and finished the day in second overall, followed by Emirates GBR, driven by returning SailGP veteran Dylan Fletcher.

The day of tactical racing saw teams drop down to four crew on board and work hard to harness power from the patchy 10-15 km/h winds. Starts proved to be crucial, with the teams crossing the line first stretching away from the rest of the fleet.

Taylor Canfield’s United States converted an excellent start into a decisive win in the opening race of the event, while race two saw a perfect start for Canada and Mubadala Brazil, with the pair going head to head in a light wind drag race to Mark 1.

But Canada pushed Mubadala Brazil wide, causing the fledgling team to drop behind the rest of the fleet and finish 10th. Canada remained consistent to finish the race in second, while Germany picked up its second ever fleet race win.

An expertly timed run up to the start line saw the Aussies scream into a crowded line up in the third fleet race, win the sprint to Mark 1 and pop up onto the foils to pull away. Emirates GBR and Canada followed closely behind, but Australia stretched ahead to cross the line with a near two minute lead over the British in second.

The most dramatic moment of the day however saw newcomer Mubadala Brazil execute a last minute dash to the finish line, passing four boats to finish in 6th.

Heading into day two, the Aussies top the leaderboard with 24 points, with New Zealand in second with 23 points. Emirates GBR, Canada and the United States all sit tied in third with 18 each.

Text and images courtesy of SailGP.com.