Excitement is ramping up for the Singapore Sail Grand Prix as the nine-strong flying F50 fleet hit the water ahead of racing this weekend.

The full fleet took advantage of the crucial training time, getting to grips with the tight racecourse as they sailed just meters from the shoreline.

Season 3 // Singapore Sail Grand Prix // United States hits the water in Singapore

Light-to-moderate winds and smooth water are forecast for this weekend, with racing getting underway on January 14 & 15.

Season 3 // Singapore Sail Grand Prix // Spain hits the water in Singapore

Two-time defending champions Australia currently sit at the top of the leaderboard with 60 points and a comfortable nine-point lead over the Kiwis in second place.

Season 3 // Singapore Sail Grand Prix // Sterns of Great Britain, Spain and France

But New Zealand has just a one-point lead on Quentin Delapierre’s France in third. Great Britain in fourth will be vying for an event win while the pressure will be on the mid-fleet teams to move up the leaderboard.

Season 3 // Singapore Sail Grand Prix // Canada hits the water in Singapore

It comes after SailGP commentators Todd Harris, Stevie Morrison and Emily Nagel said it was ‘now or never for Denmark, Canada and the United States’.

Season 3 // Singapore Sail Grand Prix // New Zealand hits the water in Singapore

Racing takes place in Singapore between 14:00-15:30 SGT on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets to the Singapore Sail Grand Prix are available HERE. Full broadcast information and How To Watch details are HERE.