ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team sits in sixth spot at half-time in the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, as SailGP marked its return to the Big Apple after a five-year absence.
The 10-boat fleet racing – taking place in front of an iconic backdrop featuring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island – got off to a blistering start as the Danish team scored a second placed finish in the opening action of the day, with Emirates GBR taking the win.
It was the positive start to the weekend’s racing that driver Nicolai Sehested craved, as the race with Spain, Australia and France for the overall podium hots up.
But the breeze that delivered such exciting racing to kick off the event soon died away. Race 2 was a random affair, with the teams struggling to catch the consistent winds to keep them foiling around the course, and shifting, light breeze frustrating the athletes.
Switzerland SailGP Team managed to claim the win, followed by Canada and New Zealand, as the course was shortened to just four legs – and ROCKWOOL Denmark fell to an eighth place.
The final race of the day was cancelled due to insufficient breeze, leaving the standings wide open and all to play for on Sunday.
“We knew we wanted to come out of the blocks strong and put in a good show for the first race, so we were happy to nail the start and grab a second place – that could be important come the end of Sunday’s racing,” explains Sehested.
“Obviously, with only two races, it’s all to play for on day two, and we’re happy that there are many opportunities for us to get the points gap we need to keep the season alive.”
He adds: “We need a Super Sunday tomorrow and what better place to put on a show than New York in front of what we expect to be fantastic crowds.” With late afternoon thunderstorms forecast on Sunday, Race Day 2 timings have been brought forward, in order to provide the best opportunity to stage all remaining fleet races and the winner-takes-all final.
The live racing window will take place between 13.00-14.30 local time, with the Race Stadium on Governors Island opening from 11.30.
