A tense battle from the start
With just three boats in the final race, every move was crucial. Dylan Fletcher and his Emirates GBR crew positioned themselves well in the starting sequence, building speed towards the line. Meanwhile, Canada, skippered by Olympic gold medallist Giles Scott, was in the thick of the action, jostling for position with Australia. The early exchanges saw the Aussies tangled in a penalty incident with Canada, forcing Tom Slingsby’s crew into recovery mode from the outset.
By the first mark, Fletcher had taken control, leading Emirates GBR to an early advantage, followed closely by Canada, with Australia trailing. But the nature of the SailGP format meant that no lead is ever safe, and the battle for KPMG Sydney SailGP supremacy was only just beginning.
Canada seizes control
At the second gate, Canada made a bold move, capitalising on a slight tactical error from Emirates GBR to snatch the lead. It was a masterclass in decision-making from Scott and his crew, reading a wind shift perfectly to put themselves at the front of the fleet. Australia, desperate to claw their way back, split from the pack, looking for pressure on the right side of the course. But fortune did not favour Slingsby’s team, leaving them adrift in third as the Canadians extended their advantage.
As they navigated around Shark Island, Canada held a 150-metre lead—a significant buffer in a high-stakes race. The tactical battle continued, with Great Britain and Australia forced into a game of risk versus reward. Should they follow Canada, or split away in hopes of a comeback?
A dramatic shift in momentum
With just three legs remaining, the wind played its part in one of the most stunning moments of the season. While Canada appeared comfortable at the front, Emirates GBR saw an opportunity and pounced. Fletcher’s team found stronger breeze on their side of the course, rapidly closing the gap. In a matter of minutes, the British boat surged past Canada, flipping the race on its head.
“Keep it simple,” came the call from the Emirates GBR crew, aware that one mistake could unravel their newfound lead. Canada attempted to respond, but the damage had been done. Slingsby’s Australian team, still in third, were running out of time to mount a comeback, despite gaining ground in the final moments.
Emirates GBR holds firm for victory
The final approach was a test of nerve. With just one turn remaining before the sprint to the finish line, Emirates GBR executed flawlessly, ensuring they stayed ahead. Canada threw everything into a last-ditch effort, but there was no way back. Fletcher, Hannah Mills, and the Emirates GBR crew had timed their charge to perfection, crossing the line first to claim victory in one of the most exhilarating finals of the SailGP season.
For Canada, it was a case of what might have been. Giles Scott’s team had looked unbeatable for large portions of the race, but in the end, the shifting breeze and a brilliant tactical display from Emirates GBR denied them the top step of the podium. Meanwhile, Australia’s hopes of a fairy-tale win in front of their home crowd faded as they had to settle for third.
A season-defining moment
The win marks a significant moment for Emirates GBR, reinforcing their credentials as one of the strongest teams in SailGP. Fletcher and his crew’s ability to stay composed under pressure, capitalise on opportunities, and execute critical manoeuvres when it mattered most proved decisive.
As the SailGP season continues, the battle for supremacy is only heating up. With multiple teams in contention and each event delivering world-class racing, the road to the SailGP Championship is anything but predictable. One thing is certain—after the drama in Sydney, fans will be eagerly awaiting the next showdown on the water.
