Home / Sports / Spain Snags First SailGP Win in Halifax Thriller
Spain Snags First SailGP Win in Halifax Thriller
22 Jun
Summary
- Spain achieved its first SailGP win of the season in Halifax.
- Australia's dominant run ended with a fourth-place finish.
- Two teams, Britain and Brazil, crashed out of the competition.
Spain's Los Gallos team, skippered by Diego Botin, achieved their first victory of the SailGP season at the Canada Sail Grand Prix in Halifax. The win broke Australia's dominant run, which had seen them win the previous three events.
The final race featured a four-boat configuration, a first in SailGP history. Spain and Sweden battled closely, with Botin's crew ultimately holding on for the win. Switzerland secured third place, pushing Australia to fourth.
Australia, led by Tom Slingsby, acknowledged uncharacteristic mistakes in the final race, ending their impressive winning streak. The competition also saw significant incidents, with both the British and Brazilian teams crashing out.
The British team lost its rudders and broke its wing during a practice session. Brazil’s race ended after a collision near a leeward mark, resulting in damage to their foil.
Halifax provided a vibrant atmosphere, with local support boosting the event. This intimate venue contrasted with larger cities, highlighting SailGP's strategy of combining major city races with smaller, engaging locations.
