You can’t win the regatta on Day 1, but you can definitely lose it.
The SailGP Abu Dhabi Race kicked off the Grand Final weekend with unexpected results. Spain had a tough time, while Australia made a steady comeback after facing early challenges. Germany impressed everyone by skillfully navigating the tricky winds and claiming the first 10 points of the event.
In the breezy start, the fleet drifted slowly. Switzerland executed a perfect start from the center, while Brazil also rushed off the line. Unfortunately, heavyweights like New Zealand, Australia, and Spain struggled to find their rhythm. The early positioning turned out to be crucial, with small mistakes having big impacts.
Germany stood out by avoiding heavy traffic and making the most of the faint breezes. They gradually built their lead, controlling the race from the first mark. In a day where many teams faced difficulties, Germany’s steady approach paid off.
Canada and Denmark managed to stay close behind by maneuvering through the second leg carefully. Brazil and Switzerland made some gains when the breeze picked up, while the USA secured a solid sixth place. New Zealand, despite recovering from a slow start, found themselves caught in turbulent air, finishing seventh but maintaining a lead over Spain in the season standings.
On the other hand, Australia had a chaotic race. They faced penalties for illegal moves, which dropped them back temporarily. Although they climbed to tenth place by the end, they still stayed within reach of the top three. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can turn, as expert sailing commentators often say, “Consistency is key in sailing.”
Spain, unfortunately, had a race to forget. They started poorly, fell into turbulent conditions, and ended up in last place. With limited points available, it’s now a steep uphill struggle for them to be among the top three teams for the finale.
After one race, Germany leads firmly, with New Zealand keeping ahead of Spain in the overall standings. Australia took a hit but remains competitive. The stage is set for three more races in Abu Dhabi, where every point counts.
Race Points:
1. Germany, 10pts
2. Denmark, 9pts
3. Switzerland, 8pts
4. Canada, 7pts
5. USA, 6pts
6. Brazil, 5pts
7. New Zealand, 4pts
8. Italy, 3pts
9. Great Britain, 2pts
10. Australia, 1pt
11. France, 0pts
12. Spain, 0pts
Season Points:
1. Great Britain, 85pts
2. New Zealand, 82pts
3. Australia, 80pts
4. Spain, 76pts
5. France, 61pts
6. Canada, 48pts
7. Denmark, 38pts
8. Switzerland, 38pts
9. Germany, 31pts
10. Italy, 22pts
11. Brazil, 16pts
12. USA, -4pts
As the races unfold, the sailing community watches closely. Social media is buzzing with reactions—fans are excited to see how teams adapt and improve in these unpredictable conditions. With a season full of surprises, every race day brings new stories and rivalries to follow.
