In a stunning comeback on the second day of action at the Singapore Sail Grand Prix (Sail GP) New Zealand defied the odds to emerge as the winner.
The top three
In the two fleet races, New Zealand, Denmark and Switzerland dominated, finishing in the top three.
It was a day to remember for the Swiss as they claimed their first ever race win to finish the event in fourth, just short of a first final appearance.
Denmark raced well to finish second in race three, pushing the Kiwis all the way in the final.
While Australia’s strong showing on Saturday saw them make the final, the Aussies’ indifferent form on Sunday carried into the final and saw them finished third.
New Zealand’s latest win cements Peter Burling’s position as the main threat to Tom Slingsby’s attempt to win a third consecutive season title.
In the overall season standings, New Zealand now have a strong hold on second position.
Kiwis set to put pressure on Aussies as season heats up
It was a victory to savour for Burling considering the Kiwis started the event on minus four points, due to a contact incident in pre-event training with the United States.
Said Burling, “Coming into the weekend on the back of those penalty points and seeing how the team came together was super pleasing. It’s two from two against the Aussies now in the finals and we are more than happy to keep chipping away. We want to try and make the top three, and then to try and be in the best possible shape to win the season.”
The Kiwis are also the only team besides Australia to win more than one event this season, with the Aussies sitting fifteen points clear of fourth place with three events left to go and are virtually guaranteed a place in the Grand Final.
Said Tom Slingsby, “we’re feeling really good, we’re really happy with how we’re looking on the ladder. It’s going to be amazing going back to Australia. It feels like we can just do our thing and sail and try and get some decent results. We don’t need to go out there and get first to make the final. So we’re going to sail free and try and get the win in front of the home crowd.”
Sold out crowd in Singapore
A sold out crowd of over 5000 fans purchased tickets across all categories and packed the shoreline of East Coast Park over the race weekend.
Speaking at the event village, Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry, said, “It’s really good to be here at Parkland Green, East Coast Park, to welcome SailGP, the first event of its kind in Asia. Events like SailGP are a harbinger of what Singapore tourism has to offer now and in the future.”
SailGP heads to Sydney next
The global SailGP championship returns to the iconic Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia, for the next event on February 18-19. Head to SailGP.com/Sydney for tickets and more details.
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