SailGP chief Russell Coutts picked the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix at Portsmouth as the event to introduce Group Racing – splitting the 13 teams into two Groups – involving more races.
And he choose well, conditions were ideal and 20,000 paying customers got more quick-fire racing under the new format. More races and ten different winners. The only disapointment for the local crowd was the implosion of Ben Ainslie’s British team in the home of his America’s Cup team, GB1.
Spain’s Los Gallos emerged on top once again, claiming back-to-back event victories to strengthen their championship credentials at exactly the right time.
The Spanish victory puts more pressure on Tom Slingsby and the Aussie team in the Championship standings with eight events complete and five to go. Though the final two events; Dubai and Abu Dhabi could be a problem if the Iran/USA war continues into November.
Los Gallos consolidated their second place overall, narrowing the gap to leaders the Bonds Flying Roos to 12 points. Meanwhile, Artemis jump into third with the United States holding on to fourth. Emirates GBR were the looser in the leading group, now fifth and not adding any points.
Despite their great showing at Portsmouth, Canada’s Northstar only gained one place, now seventh but picked-up eight points to close on Team France.
The Aussies were off the pace, finishing seventh, but still have the advantage – but the momentum is undoubtedly with Los Gallos as they head to Sassnitz, Germany for the ninth Grand Prix of the 2026 Season on 22-23 August.
Related Post . . .
Rolex SailGP Championship – Rules is Rules but beating them is a winner
Leave a Reply