Emirates Great Britain lead the fleet on opening day of Italy Sail Grand Prix

 

Following an event win in Saint-Tropez only two weeks ago, the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team put in three solid races – in challenging conditions – with a 2-3-3 race record for on the opening day of the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix in Taranto. The feat was no easy challenge with the combination of the strongest wind conditions the fleet has sailed in since the start of Season 4 and the Australia SailGP Team having a nearly perfect day of racing.

Both teams finished up on 26 points after an action-packed day of racing, with gusts of 45 km/h, making it a key day for wing trimmers and flight controllers.

Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO and driver of Emirates GBR Team, said: “The hardest part is dealing with all the power. There’s so much power in these boats and when you get a big gust in those bear aways and the foils and rudders are caveating, the whole boat is shaking and you’re wondering how it’s all going to hold together.”

ROCKWOOL ITALY SAIL GRAND PRIX | TARANTO //

Day Two Racing: Sunday, September 24, 1:30 p.m – 3:00 p.m. CEST

ROCKWOOL ITALY SAIL GRAND PRIX DAY ONE STANDINGS //

1 // Emirates Great Britain 26 points

2 // Australia 26 points

3 // France 24 points

4 // ROCKWOOL Denmark 23 points

5 // Canada 19 points

6 // United States 15 points

7 // Switzerland 13 points

8 // Spain 10 points

9 // Germany 2 points