The drama-filled Grand Final fleet racing showdown between France and Spain, and eagerly anticipated identity of Brazil’s incoming driver, are revealed in the latest episode of Racing on the Edge.
The new installment of the league’s behind the scenes docuseries journeys back to Season 4’s ultimate showdown in San Francisco and the epic fight between France and Spain as they battled for the last spot in the three-boat Grand Final.
A terrible start to San Francisco’s fleet racing saw Spain almost lose its grip on the Grand Final, while France executed blistering starts to put themselves in contention of qualification. But the rivalry culminated in a disastrous, season-ending collision between France and ROCKWOOL DEN, resulting in a near capsize, a broken rudder and absolute heartbreak for Quentin Delapierre’s crew.
The ultimate underdog, Spain took its place on the start line of the Championship-deciding final race, pitted against league titans Australia and New Zealand. But as the Aussies and Kiwis tussled with an age-old Tasmanian rivalry, Spain shot off the start line to secure the inside line to Mark 1.
Australia driver - and three time SailGP champion - Tom Slingsby admitted he underestimated Diego Botin’s crew.
“Honestly, in the first 10 seconds off the line, I didn’t even think of Spain,” he said.
Elsewhere, the episode carves out a place in SailGP history for Botin, who is labelled ‘the future of sailing’ by Slingsby - while on-water reporter Lisa Darmanin says Botin’s on his way ‘becoming the best sailor in the world’.
The episode also reveals the identity of Brazil’s incoming driver, two time Olympic champion and Brazilian national Martine Grael.
Grael, who was unveiled as the new team’s driver at an event in Rio, will step on board the F50 in Bermuda this week for training before going to battle against the rest of the fleet at the 2024/25 Season opener in Dubai on November 23-24.
Racing on the Edge features behind-the scenes-insight and up-close interviews with the Championship’s biggest personalities, including New Zealand’s Peter Burling, Australian driver Tom Slingsby and driver of the United States, Taylor Canfield.
Every episode of Racing on the Edge is available on SailGP's YouTube channel.
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