From Australia bouncing back to six teams gunning for the Grand Final, we round up five things to watch out for when racing gets underway in Bermuda this weekend.
Six teams gunning for third
Bermuda marks the 10th stop on Season 4’s record-breaking 13-event season and there’s still everything to play for. A total of six teams - over half the fleet - remain within touching distance of the Grand Final’s third and final place - Spain, France, ROCKWOOL DEN, Canada, Emirates GBR and the United States. As Bermuda dawns, these teams will be putting it all on the line to move up the leaderboard.
Can Australia bounce back from a disastrous event in Christchurch?
Christchurch was a rough event for three-time champions Australia. The team collided with a race mark, causing serious damage to their F50, and was docked a devastating 8 season points and 12 event points.
This - combined with New Zealand’s victory - saw the Aussies lose their season lead for the first time since Season 4’s opener in Chicago. Now, with an F50 under repair, the Aussies are fired up and ready for redemption in Bermuda. Can they bounce back?
Can New Zealand deliver a 5th event win in Bermuda?
After a stunning victory at home in Christchurch, New Zealand has secured the fans’ vote to win in Bermuda, which would mark their 5th event win of the season. Now sitting at the top of the leaderboard, New Zealand will have to defend their position from their greatest rivals - the Aussies - when racing resumes. Can the Kiwis hold them off to stay on top?
Will Bermuda level the playing field?
Many teams - notably New Zealand, Australia and Emirates GBR - have plenty of past experience racing in Bermuda. But with the island providing perfect F50 foiling conditions - steady breeze and flat water - will this experience benefit those team or will Bermuda level the playing field for the entire fleet?
Racing at Morgan’s Point
While Bermuda is a fan favorite location on the SailGP calendar, Season 4 marks the first time the league is racing at Morgan’s Point. This new location on the Great Sound promises to bring fans even closer to the action than before.
The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix takes place on May 4/5, with racing from 2pm ADT.
