The F50s raced with 29-metre rigs and a five-person crew.  However, Day 1, Race 1 wasn’t without drama from the start. A 20-minute delay hinted at the challenges to come, as crews adjusted to light wind conditions. Initially, winds were recorded at 9 km/h, gradually increasing throughout the day.

Once the race finally got underway, the competition quickly turned fierce. But it was a rare sight to see any team manage to get foiling.

A Lightning Start

Italy launched off the start line with aggression, taking an early lead. But as the pack surged forward and quickly reshuffled the players, it was Australia who gained the upper hand, pushing the USA into second place, while New Zealand maintained a strong third. The opening battle had already set the stage for a nail-biting race.

At Gate 2, USA fought back, reclaiming the lead. Their time at the mark, 3:54 minutes into the race, set the pace for the fleet. Australia remained close at their heels, with New Zealand just 40 seconds behind the leaders. Meanwhile, teams such as Denmark (1:26.9 behind), Germany (1:18.1 behind), and Switzerland (1:01.8 behind) were grappling with the tricky conditions.

Tactical Brilliance in Low Winds

New Zealand’s crew demonstrated deliberate sailing techniques tailored for the light winds, including minimal body movements to reduce unnecessary drag. These well-tuned tactics allowed them to keep within striking distance of the leaders while fending off challenges from mid-fleet competitors.

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The USA continued to dominate, rounding Mark 3 in first place at 8:34.6 minutes. Australia remained steady in second, but New Zealand’s persistence paid off as they began closing the gap, making it clear this would be a three-way battle for the podium.

The Final Push

As the race progressed, the competition remained consistent among the top three—USA, Australia, and New Zealand. However, a dramatic shake-up unfolded in the final downward leg. New Zealand overtook Australia for second place, while Switzerland surged forward to snatch third, pushing the Aussies into fourth.

Approaching Gate 4, it was neck-and-neck between the USA and New Zealand, until the Kiwis feel back a little back towards the gate. USA rounded the gate at 14:30.3 minutes, 16.2 seconds ahead of New Zealand, close enough to set up up a thrilling final sprint to the finish.

A Stellar Finish

With impressive coordination and consistency, the USA maintained their lead and crossed the finish line first. New Zealand followed 26.8 seconds later; a good result which highlighted their relentless pursuit throughout the race. Switzerland completed a strong comeback, crossing third and making their mark on the opening day of the season.

Despite the challenging conditions, Race 1 delivered all the excitement SailGP fans had been waiting for. With its level playing field and high-speed drama, the stage is set for a gripping season ahead.

Key Race Timings

USA: Winner
New Zealand: Crossed Finish Line, 0:26.8 behind the USA
Switzerland: Rounded Mark 4, 1:10.4 behind the leader

Points

1st place – 10 points – USA
2nd place – 9 points – New Zealand
3rd place – 8 points – Australia
4th place – 7 points – Switzerland
5th place – 6 points – Emirates GBR
6th place – 5 points – Rockwool DEN(mark)
7th place – 4 points – Germany
8th place – 3 points – Spain
9th place – 2 points – Canada
10th place – 1 point – Red Bull Italy
11th place – 0 points – Mubadala Brazil

Stay tuned for more updates as SailGP Dubai continues to unfold, promising more intense battles and tactical brilliance on the water.