SailGP: Grand Final hopefuls US and Artemis set for Geneva fleet racing battle

Fleet racing sees the 13-strong fleet split into two groups; Group A and Group B, with teams selected via the ABBA seeding system according to the standings of the most recent event.

The US face Grand Final rival Artemis in Group A

Valencia winner the United States will compete in Group A against ROCKWOOL Racing, Los Gallos, Germany by Deutsche Bank, Artemis, DS Automobiles France and Mubadala Brazil.

The group may not be populated with teams traditionally considered SailGP heavyweights – the Bonds Flying Roos, Emirates GBR and the Black Foils – but with light airs forecast, last minute roster reshuffles and a closing window to make the Grand Final, this group could see some the most exciting racing drama of the weekend.

The biggest spotlight is on the Americans. The team sits third on the season leaderboard with a spot in the Grand Final looking a real possibility – the team’s ambition since its ownership overhaul two seasons ago.

But with Taylor Canfield and his reserve Harry Melges ruled out due to injury, the driver’s seat is currently empty and a good racing result is crucial to keep those Grand Final hopes alive.

Also in their group is Erik Kosegarten-Heil’s Germany by Deutsche Bank – winners here last season, and Nathan Outteridge’s Artemis. The latter poses the greatest threat to the US’s Grand Final hopes, with the Swedish outfit sitting fourth on the season leaderboard, just one point behind the Americans. When fleet racing begins, the US will be looking to beat Artemis to a place in the event Final at all costs.

SailGP weather guru Chris Bedford’s prediction of a light wind event is good news for the Americans – the team is a light air specialist, with both event wins this season (Sydney and Valencia) secured in light airs.

Unfortunately their group is packed with rival light air specialists – Los Gallos and ROCKWOOL Racing have stellar light wind records, so it will be on the Americans to gel with their new driver quickly to ensure a good result.

Emirates GBR under pressure to beat Australia and New Zealand in Group B

Season leaders the Bonds Flying Roos top Group B, sitting alongside tough competition – the British, the Kiwis and the Canadians – as well as home favorites Explora Journeys Swiss and Phil Robertson’s Red Bull Italy.

The pressure here is on Dylan Fletcher’s Emirates GBR – last season’s champions. The season started well for Fletcher’s group, but form has fallen off a cliff and the team now sits fifth on the season leaderboard, five points behind the U.S. in third.

The British must push past some of the toughest competitors of the fleet to keep their Grand Final hopes alive. The top two teams from each group will proceed into the winner-takes-all Final, going head to head for the event title.

The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix takes place on September 19/20. Book your place or find out how to follow from wherever you are in the world.

Text and images courtesy of SailGP.com.