At a venue with more wind, that might not have been too damning as the league’s switch to split fleet racing means more passing opportunities on the course. But in the light winds on Lake Geneva, those opportunities were limited.
It took until the final turn of the race for the Black Foils to make up places in the six-boat group, capitalising on penalties against Canada and Italy to cross the line in fourth. That was enough to ensure they finished the day second in the group on nine points, one behind Australia with two group races remaining tomorrow.
“All in all, a really good day. [It was] one of those days where you’re in the fight the whole time. No respite at all, just fighting for every metre,” Black Foils wing trimmer Blair Tuke said.
“That last race was case in point, snuck from sixth into fourth and two really valuable points, so all to play for tomorrow.”
Slow racing meant the league had to cut the day short, with Group A only completing two of their scheduled three races, with Sweden and Denmark tied for the lead in the group on six points.
Group A also saw a team sail with two women on board for the first time in SailGP, with Martine Grael called in to drive for the United States, sailing alongside Anna Weis and the American crew.
Grael was the inaugural driver for the Brazilian crew, but parted ways with the team after the regatta in Valencia, Spain, earlier this month as Paul Goodison took over at the helm.
However, with American driver Taylor Canfield ruled out due to an upper body injury, then reserve athlete Harry Melges IV, who was expected to take the wheel in Canfield’s place, was ruled out due to a leg injury.
That saw Grael get the call for an unexpectedly quick return to the league. The American crew, currently clinging to third place in the overall standings, struggled in their two races, however, missing out on the points both times.
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.