As Split-Fleet Debut Delivers High-Speed Drama
Australia have once again topped the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix standings, toppling Emirates GBR and Spain in an all-star Final race.
Mastering the wind and the waves, Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos have once again reigned supreme in the City of Sails. Sealing their victory in a dramatic, rain-soaked Final on Auckland’s Waitematā Harbor, the Aussies held off fierce pressure from Emirates GBR and Spain to secure their second consecutive victory in New Zealand.
The Final saw the fastest racing of the day, with gusts of up to 45 km/h propelling the league’s top teams to speeds in excess of 90 km/h. Los Gallos nailed the start and led early, while Emirates GBR split from the pack in a bold tactical move and surged late – overhauling the Spanish team on the line to take second place.
Tom Slingsby said, “The start was literally about staying on our feet and out of trouble. The Spanish did that well and kept it close, but we managed to make an overtake at the top mark. It was a great race from our end — close, with overtakes — and we were lucky to get there at the right time.”
The event win marks the first for three-time Rolex SailGP Champions Australia since last season’s triumph on the same waters (January 2025). Australia now overtakes Emirates GBR on the overall standings, tied on points (17 each) with Emirates GBR.
With strong winds forecast, SailGP adopted split-fleet format for the first time in racing – sorting the 11 competing teams into two groups – Group A and Group B – to compete in four split-fleet races, followed by a three-boat Final. More space didn’t mean any less action, as top-end conditions, flat waters and unpredictable shifts put teams through their paces.
Emirates GBR snatched victory in opening Race 3A, with Dylan Fletcher’s crew edging out Giles Scott’s NorthStar at the line in a high-speed showdown on the Waitematā Harbour. Driver Dylan Fletcher said, “It was great to be racing in big breeze and show what these boats are capable of. It felt like we sailed in the stronger breeze all day. We had the bigger jib on and then it really piped up — there were some pretty loose moments out there.”
Germany by Deutsche Bank, who had flown off the start and led early, rounded out the podium after a near-capsize on leg five dropped them back to third. NorthStar briefly topped 102 km/h – just shy of SailGP’s all-time speed record – underlining the intensity of the race.
Driver Giles Scott said, “Yeah, today was a much better day. We feel like we sailed pretty well and probably left a little bit out there, which is always the way. In flat water everyone is pushing hard, and if you get a little bit too high on the ride, the foils can ventilate and skid."
Group B came out firing, with the BONDS Flying Roos rebounding from a messy start to win ahead of Artemis SailGP in second and the U.S. SailGP Team in third. Race 4A went the way of Emirates GBR, while the U.S. SailGP Team put on a masterclass to win the final fleet race of the day (4B) with a 200-meter lead.
It marked a statement performance from the Americans, who controlled the race from the gun to the finish line. ROCKWOOL Denmark were unable to complete the race due to board issues, but there was no stopping the U.S. charge as they sealed an emphatic win to end the day. Driver Taylor Canfield said, “I’ve been saying since Perth, we’re feeling better in the breeze now. To put two really good races together today and come away with a race win in the last one is awesome. We’re proud of how we sailed, start to finish, and how we got off the line.”
The ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix saw mixed results for a number of teams – including those who struggled to adapt to the adjusted format on day two. Germany by Deutsche Bank driver Erik Heil said, “I mean, there’s still a lot left in the tank. I would say it wasn't the nicest weekend to look back on in terms of how much we wanted to improve versus how much we actually did. But we did make some progress, and in the end that’s a positive. We’ve identified a few priorities heading into Sydney, so there’s plenty to work on.”
As the Rolex SailGP Championship looks ahead to its most established venue – the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix – assessment into the damage onboard New Zealand and DS Automobiles Team France’s F50 catamarans continues, with work plans being finalized between New Zealand and SailGP Technologies in the UK.
Fans don’t have to wait long – with the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix set to unfold over two days of racing, February 28-March 1, 2026. Limited tickets remain – find out more at SailGP.com/Sydney .