Spain Shocks Sydney: Old Boat Leads SailGP Fleet

The Spanish team, helmed by Diego Botin, surprised competitors by leading the Sydney Grand Prix after the first day of racing. Their F50 catamaran, noted as the oldest in the SailGP fleet, performed exceptionally well, particularly in the lighter and shifting wind conditions prevalent on Sydney Harbour. Botin emphasized the importance of a reliable boat, which they found in their current vessel despite its age.

The competition on Sydney Harbour featured twilight racing for the first time, with races concluding just before sunset. This marked a change from the intense conditions experienced in Perth and Auckland. Notably, the New Zealand and French teams were absent from the Sydney event following a significant collision in Auckland.

The Australian team, the Bonds Flying Roos, celebrated the race debut of Iain 'Goobs' Jensen, who joined the crew after recovering from a severe knee injury sustained during training in Perth earlier in the year. Skipper Tom Slingsby expressed relief at Jensen's return and acknowledged that the lighter winds aided his comeback. The Australians experienced a mixed day, winning the first and last races but struggling in between, ultimately sitting second overall, four points behind Spain.

Other teams faced challenges, with Canada struggling to maintain foiling in lighter breezes. However, the points remain tight across the fleet, with even the Danish team in tenth place capable of podium contention. Lighter winds are forecasted for Sunday, prompting a planned upgrade of wing rigs to the largest available, a configuration last used in Abu Dhabi. The Spanish team's strong start sets an intriguing stage for the remainder of the Sydney Grand Prix.