SailGP Season 3 got off to a flying start for the Canada SailGP Team this past weekend in Bermuda. Driver Phil Robertson and his Canadian crew were quick off the start line on both days and strategically positioned themselves on the race course to finish at the top of the event leaderboard after day one, secure a place in the finals on Sunday and finish third overall. A record result for a new team to the league.
On day one of racing, Canada SailGP Team immediately impressed the fans by finishing 2nd, 1st and 5th in the three races respectively. Heading into day two, there was more breeze and the team was put to the test in races 4 and 5, finishing 7th and 5th. This secured a place for the Canadians in the final race alongside GBR SailGP Team and Season 2 champions, Australia SailGP Team.
“It was an incredible start for a new team. To finish on the podium for event one, is something that we never dreamed of but we knew we were capable of. It confirms how well we have set this team up and trained over the last few weeks here in Bermuda. Being realistic, it was a light air event where everything becomes a lot more equal. We know we have a lot more to learn in the breezier conditions. We’ve got a long way to go, but we are stoked with how we came out,” said Canada SailGP Team Driver, Phil Robertson.
“I couldn’t have expected a more amazing result! I’m so proud of every single one of the team. That was an amazing show of athleticism, sportsmanship and great sailing. We loved it!” said Fred Pye, Founder of Canada SailGP Team.
It was a truly historic moment for Canada’s first-ever fully professional sailing team that in the build up to racing this week proudly announced a complement of new partners including 3iQ Digital Asset Management, TSN as broadcast partner, Zhik as Technical Clothing Supplier and Ocean Wise as the team’s Race for the Future Partner. In true Canadian style, the team also celebrated its launch at The Front Yard in Hamilton in conjunction with the Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Street Fest that brought thousands of people out to celebrate.
Next up for the team will be the United States Sail Grand Prix on 18-19 June in Chicago.
