Season 4 will see SailGP return to New York and race against arguably the most iconic city skyline in the world. The league first raced in the city in Season 1, with New York making the 3rd SailGP event ever held. As tickets go on sale for the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 22-23, we round up the most dramatic moments from SailGP’s first visit to the city.
Great Britain capsize before racing
New York kicked off in dramatic style, with the British F50 capsizing just 30 minutes before the start of racing. Former driver Dylan Fletcher lost control during a nosedive, which sent the red and blue F50 bucking into the water. The F50 was righted quickly but the sustained damage ruled the British out of racing for the whole of Race Day 1.
Australia suffers massive nosedive
The shifty conditions of New York caused real problems for the crews as racing got underway, with Tom Slingsby struggling to retain control of the F50 in Fleet Race 1 after being hit by a massive gust of wind. The green and gold F50 skidded sideways across the water before lifting out of the water and crashing down, with flight controller Jason Waterhouse trying his best to keep the boat in the water.
China almost capsizes
There were challenges on board the Chinese boat too, with a dramatic nosedive seeing former driver Phil Robertson keeping the boat in the water by the skin of his teeth. The incident, which unfolded at the bottom mark of Fleet Race 2, saw Robertson act quickly and narrowly avoid the former team capsizing mid way through racing.
Japan dominates fleet racing
Former team Japan didn’t seem to have the same challenges as the rest of the fleet, with driver Nathan Outteridge guiding the team to race wins in the second, third and fourth fleet races.
Japan X USA close call
More drama unfolded in the fifth fleet race at Gate 6, with Japan and the USA scrapping for the race win. Japan came from behind to almost overlap the U.S. F50, but it was Rome Kirby’s team which managed to defend its position.
United States picks up first ever race win
The U.S. made history in New York, with Rome Kirby’s team picking up its first ever race win in front of home fans. After fending off challenges from Japan, the American team soared across the line to claim the win.
Japan wins first ever SailGP event in New York
Despite excellent performances by Australia and the U.S., it was Japan which converted its fleet racing dominance to claim the event win. The Japanese beat the Aussies in the Final, jibing away in front of fans to claim the ultimate win.
Season 4's Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix will take place on June 22-23.
