New Zealand's Black Foils and Sweden's Artemis lead the standings after an action-packed opening day of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth. Six races produced six different winners as strong Solent winds tested every crew and packed grandstands lined the shoreline.
Racing took place in a fresh 30km/h breeze with the F50 fleet configured with the smallest 18-metre wingsail and high-speed foils. The league's new split-group format was used, with teams competing in separate Group A and Group B fleets.
Black Foils Take Control
Canada's NorthStar won the opening Group A race, with Giles Scott's crew holding off Spain's Los Gallos after leading throughout. However, Spain struck back in race two when Diego Botín overtook NorthStar on the final leg, before the Canadians slipped from second to fifth after dropping off their foils.
"We were absolutely crushing the starts today," said NorthStar strategist Annie Haeger. "Unfortunately for us, two mistakes in a row cost us some four places."
The Black Foils dominated the final Group A race from start to finish, while NorthStar recovered from a penalty to finish second. The New Zealand crew ended the day on top of Group A with 11 points.
"We had awesome conditions out there today in Portsmouth," said driver Peter Burling. "It felt very similar to the last time around – perfect conditions for our high-speed foils configuration."
Burling said the new group racing format presented fresh challenges.
"I think today proved it was still pretty hard to pass at times. It was nice getting off the line on that last one and taking the win. It's all to play for tomorrow."
Artemis Edge Ahead
Taylor Canfield's United States crew claimed the opening Group B race ahead of Sweden's Artemis and Switzerland.
Artemis responded by winning race two before Britain's Emirates GBR crew delighted the home crowd by taking victory in the final race of the day. Germany recovered from a dramatic near-capsize to finish.
"It was awesome to get the race win where we really needed it," said Emirates GBR strategist Hannah Mills.
"It was a really tough course for overtaking. You're relying on people in front making mistakes. But it was phenomenal conditions - top end, sunny, warm, everything we hope for from the UK."
Despite Britain's late success, Artemis finished the day on top of Group B after recording one victory and two second places.
"It was an awesome day sailing," said driver Nathan Outteridge. "Good sunshine, good breeze, and we had a really nice warm-up, which gave us confidence to push the boat hard."
Racing resumes on Sunday with the leading teams from both groups battling for places in the Portsmouth final.
