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HomeSailGPAuckland RacingSailGP: Fleet race totals - Analysing Auckland, Dubai, and the path to Sydney

SailGP: Fleet race totals – Analysing Auckland, Dubai, and the path to Sydney

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After two season opening events, the results from Auckland and Dubai have set the stage for a thrilling conclusion. These events are more than just races—they’re milestones in the journey to the championship. With the Sydney event just 19 days away, the standings are starting to reflect both the consistency and inconsistency that define this unpredictable sport. As teams adjust their strategies, recover from setbacks, and refine their skills, the question is: Who is in the best position to win it all?

Race performance analysis: Auckland and Dubai

In Auckland, conditions were a mix of challenging winds and variable weather, creating opportunities for both underdogs and front-runners to show their potential. Australia led the charge with 64 points, demonstrating their ability to remain at the top with a blend of consistent performances and strategic racing. Spain, just behind with 57 points, showcased their tactical precision but failed to claim a race win, which ultimately hurt their championship bid. Great Britain, also with 57 points, proved that they have the technical edge, but even they couldn’t always match Australia’s consistency.

Surprisingly, the local New Zealand team, Black Foils, finished fourth with 46 points despite only winning one race. Having won the Dubai series, their performance in Auckland was a little disappointing; being Kiwi supporters at heart, we really want them to show more drive (both in the emotional and literal sense) and consistency, We also don’t want them to rely on their ability to pull out a win at the last moment; they must consistently start well, stay with the leading group, and finish well. Although it would be amazing to see New Zealand win every time they race, this is not realistic; and we must remember that it is those final points that matter in the end.

Auckland’s races saw Rockwool Denmark put on an impressive performance, winning two races and proving that they have the ability to dominate when conditions align. However, their inconsistency cost them in the overall standings, leaving them with only 44 points and fifth place. Meanwhile, Red Bull Italy showed flashes of brilliance but was ultimately inconsistent, finishing with 37 points. Similarly, teams like Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil displayed notable inconsistencies, with Switzerland especially dazzling in certain races only to falter in others.

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Top Auckland teams

When you look at the top three—Australia, Spain, and Great Britain—what stands out is their consistency. Australia’s dominance with 64 points in Auckland was a result of solid finishes across multiple races. They may not have always won, but their strategic and measured approach consistently put them in the top positions, earning them 10 championship points. Spain, while performing well, was often left in the shadow of the Aussies, and their inability to clinch a race win ultimately left them short of the top spot.

Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby and his team celebrate winning The Rolex SailGP 2025 Championship ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland, New Zealand. Sunday 19 January 2025. Photo: Brett Phibbs for SailGP.

Great Britain has arguably the most technical advantage of all teams, with 17 points in the championship standings and a promising showing in both Auckland and Dubai. Their edge lies in their precise understanding of the boats and their ability to maximise performance in the technical aspects of fleet racing. However, they’ve occasionally been undone by tactical errors in key moments, leaving them with fewer points than they might have deserved.

Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby alongside Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Dylan Fletcher and Spain SailGP Team helmed by Diego Botin in the final race on Race Day 2 of The Rolex SailGP 2025 Championship ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland, New Zealand. Sunday 19 January 2025. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP.

The Auckland strugglers

Not all teams have had the same success. For some, the results in Auckland and Dubai exposed flaws that need urgent attention. Teams like Switzerland, Germany, and Brazil have all struggled to maintain consistent performance throughout the season, with moments of brilliance often overshadowed by disappointing finishes. Switzerland, in particular, has been a case study in inconsistency. At times, they’ve dazzled with unexpected top finishes, but just as often, they’ve faltered, earning only 6 points in the overall standings.

Germany and Brazil are in a similar position, with neither team able to string together enough consistent performances to challenge the leaders. Brazil’s struggles were particularly evident early in Auckland, though they did show signs of improvement towards the end, indicating that they might have the potential to turn things around. However, with only 3 championship points, they are currently on the back foot.

Canada, too, failed to deliver on the promise of past seasons. With 6 points overall, their lack of race participation on Day 2 in Auckland (where they did not race) has further hindered their championship chances. The United States, similarly, failed to generate enough momentum to earn points in Auckland.

These teams will need to focus on improving consistency if they are to stay competitive for the remainder of the season. The key challenge for them will be avoiding the types of costly mistakes—whether tactical or strategic—that have undermined their performances so far.

Current Championship standings: Who’s leading and why?

As it stands, Great Britain (17 points) holds the edge in the overall championship standings, closely followed by New Zealand Black Foils (17 points), with Australia and Spain hot on their heels with 16 points each. This tight grouping at the top reflects the very narrow margins between success and failure in fleet racing. Each team has shown moments of brilliance, but none have been flawless.

Australia is simply brilliant, but fails to hit the top spots when needed. For Great Britain, their technical superiority continues to be a major strength. New Zealand, however, maybe the team to watch. But, again, like their Aussie cousins, they need to be more consistent. Spain will need to find ways to outlast these emerging threats if they wish to improve their current championship position.

Looking ahead: The Sydney event

The Sydney race presents a new challenge for the teams. With hot weather expected and winds in the range of 14 km/h (about 7 knots), conditions may not be optimal for the high-speed thrills that some teams thrive on. Lighter winds can often level the playing field, giving teams with superior tactical acumen an edge over those that rely on sheer speed.

For teams like Australia and Great Britain, their ability to adapt to variable conditions will be key. In contrast, teams struggling with consistency may find that a more unpredictable race environment further exposes their weaknesses.

Sydney could very well be a turning point in the championship. While the current standings suggest that the race for first place is wide open, the ability to manage the heat and lighter winds could determine which teams come out ahead.

For teams like the United States, Germany, and Brazil, the upcoming races offer a chance to correct their mistakes and find a better balance between speed and strategy. Their focus will need to be on consistency—something that has eluded them so far.

Ultimately, as we look ahead to Sydney, the key takeaway is this: in fleet racing, consistency trumps brilliance. The teams that can maintain focus, adapt to changing conditions, and execute their strategies will be the ones standing tall at the end of the season.

The next 19 days will be crucial for all teams as they prepare for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this championship race.

Rolex Sydney to Hobart Regatta race start / Facebook: Rolex Sydney Hobart

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Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten Thomas
Kirsten enjoys sailing and is a passionate writer based in coastal New Zealand. Combining her two passions, she crafts vivid narratives and insightful articles about sailing adventures, sharing her experiences and knowledge with fellow enthusiasts.

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