SB20 World Championship 2025 in Singapore – Day 2 Recap
by Anna Zyk / Viola Devoti, 22 Jan 05:05 UTC
18-25 January 2025
Day 2 of the SB20 World Championships in Singapore was anything but easy. Sailors faced fluctuating winds and steady rain, as the wind speed varied between 4 and 10 knots. The Northeast Monsoon made for unpredictable conditions, forcing teams to adjust their strategies constantly.
The tricky wind patterns, paired with moderate waves and strong tidal currents of the Singapore Strait, posed a real challenge. Sailors had to stay alert, ready to adapt as the breeze shifted. Despite these hurdles, the competitors displayed impressive skill, navigating the rough waters to finish all scheduled races.
Leading the pack was Paul McCartney’s team, Porco Rosso, which had a solid day with finishes of 1st, 3rd, and 5th. This Tasmanian crew topped the leaderboard with 26 points overall, showing consistency where others faltered.
“To do well on Day 2 after a strong Day 1 feels great,” said skipper Paul McCartney. “We improved our speed and made sure our starts were strong.” He mentioned the challenges at the top mark but praised the team for their recoveries.
The racecourse in Singapore is tricky. The winds close to shore forced the teams to gybe often, adding to the difficulty. “Staying calm and making smart decisions has been key for us,” added crew member Will Sargent. “Every race matters, and it could come down to the final leg.”
Porco Rosso is closely followed by team Xcellent, helmed by John Pollard, which is just one point behind. They secured a first in Race 6 and now sit second overall with 27 points. Bowman Henry Wetherell noted their comeback in the last race, proving that persistence pays off.
In third place is team Pinch, led by British sailor Morgan Peach. Morgan has a rich history in sailing and has teamed up with familiar partners Owen Bowerman and Arran Holman for this event. “The competition has been tough but exciting,” he said, sharing a bit about his journey in the sport.
Tied for fourth place are the French Youth team, represented by Paul Loiseau. They moved up a spot after a strong finish in the final race, having previously placed 10th overall in the 2024 SB20 Worlds in Dubai.
As sailors grapple with the challenges of the first half of the championship, the leaderboard continues to shift. With the first discard now in play after 7 races, Tasmanian Mike Buchanan is in 5th place with 35 points, showing resilience on a day filled with surprises.
Outside of racing, Devoti Sailing hosted a party on Lazarus Island, allowing sailors to unwind after a tough day. The young competitors from The Hutchins School bagged a new jib during a friendly game of cornhole—a nice perk for their first international competition.
Looking ahead to Day 3, sailors can expect more challenging conditions and possibly some sunshine. At least two races are on the agenda, and the competition promises to heat up.
Standings after Day 2: (top ten, after 7 races, full results here)
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