The Bonds Flying Roos lead the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix after a closely contested opening day on Guanabara Bay. Australia sits on 28 points after four fleet races. The United States SailGP Team follows on 27, with Artemis SailGP Team third on 26.
Twelve teams raced in light and shifting conditions. Crews faced patchy winds and rolling swell beneath Rio’s coastline. Australian driver Tom Slingsby described the racing as unpredictable. “It was really tough and patchy, like a game of snakes and ladders,” he said.
Sweden’s Nathan Outteridge said consistency proved difficult. “It was one of those really up-and-down days, super high scoring and hard to read,” he said.
The opening race went to Artemis, who led from start to finish. Australia placed second, with the USA third. Spain’s Los Gallos won race two with a clean start. Sweden followed in second, while Germany secured third.
Race three saw Red Bull Italy SailGP Team take victory in fading wind. It marked driver Phil Robertson’s first win with the Italian crew. Germany, by Deutsche Bank, claimed the final race of the day. Australia dropped to third after a finish-line penalty.
Home team Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team missed the opening two races due to technical issues. They returned for race three to strong support from local fans. Driver Martine Grael said the day was mixed. “It was a tough and frustrating start, but exciting to get back into racing,” she said.
The Emirates GBR SailGP Team struggled with technical setbacks and sits last after day one.
Thousands of spectators lined the shore for SailGP’s first event in South America. With two points separating the top three teams, the final day remains open. Racing resumes on 12 April.
