A Thrilling Recap of Day One’s Races
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, hosted by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, faced light winds, yet the Spain SailGP Team, under Diego Botín, showcased their prowess by clinching two out of three races on the opening day at Mina Zayed.
Leading the pack, they are closely followed by New Zealand and the United States in the standings.
Opening Race Dynamics
The event’s inaugural race closely resembled the last race of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, with New Zealand, Australia, and Canada finishing in the top three. New Zealand, led by Peter Burling, dominated the race from start to finish. However, Canada, initially finishing second, received a penalty for a maneuver against Tom Slingsby’s Australian team.
Penalty and Team Perspectives
Phil Robertson, representing Canada SailGP, reflected on their team’s consistent penalties. Meanwhile, the second race, influenced by the new ‘slalom style’ course, was initially led by ROCKWOOL Denmark, the United States, and Germany. Spain, steered by Botín, made a remarkable recovery from their previous last position to win the race, surpassing the US team.
Tactical Success in Final Race
In the day’s final race, Spain executed a strategic move at the third mark, outmaneuvering New Zealand and securing their second victory. Botín expressed his enthusiasm for their incredible comeback and the close competition.
Strategic Partnership Announcement
The day also witnessed the announcement of a novel partnership between the Spain SailGP Team and space tourism company EOS-X, a pioneering sponsorship in the realm of professional sports.
United States’ Perspective and Performance
Taylor Canfield of the US team shared his thoughts on the day’s variable winds and their strategy for the upcoming final race, aiming to secure a top-three position.
Entertainment and Event Conclusion
The eventful day concluded with a live performance by Take That, marking a historic fusion of SailGP racing and live entertainment. The final day promises more excitement with DJ Saif and Sound set to perform, enhancing the experience for fans.
Day One Standings and Event Information
The current standings after day one are led by Spain, followed by New Zealand and the United States. The event continues on January 14, with coverage available on Abu Dhabi Sports and online. Visit SailGP.com/watch for more details. Limited tickets remain available for the Abu Dhabi event finale.
Day One Standings:
- Spain – 21 points
- New Zealand – 20 points
- United States – 19 points
- Canada – 19 points
- France – 17 points
- Australia – 16 points
- ROCKWOOL Denmark – 16 points
- Emirates Great Britain – 12 points
- Germany – 12 points
- Switzerland – 9 points
About SailGP
SailGP features exciting national team races in hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, combining high-speed sailing with a commitment to sustainability. For more information, visit SailGP.com.
