New Zealand dominated in low winds and Rolex was declared the winner of the United States Sail Grand Prix.

Despite pressure from Tom Slingsby’s crew, it was the Kiwis who dominated the race from the start and slipped through the top gate, securing the best angle on Mark One. The winner-take-all finale went down to the finish line in a slow-motion drag race, with Peter Burling’s crew crashing across the finish line to start the new season at the top of the standings.

After the race, Burling praised “An impressive effort by the entire team” and highlighted his communicative composure and his “calmness” in “stressful” situations.“When the light is low, you look around and you have all the time in the world, but it’s amazing how so many things happen in such a short circuit: you make one small mistake and they happen to you.”.

He added that “Wonderful Way Again” Since last month’s Season 3 Grand Final, the Kiwis narrowly lost the title to Australia.

Naval regattas

Light winds and the F50’s long 29m sail posed unique challenges for the fleet’s small four-man crews, but proved an opportunity for the young teams from Spain and Switzerland. Both teams took victories in the last two fleet regattas of the event and Diego Bott’s Spanish crew finished fifth overall.

Despite excelling in light wind conditions at Saint-Tropez last season, Jimmy Spittle’s United States were unable to make amends for their poor performance on day one and finished their inaugural event in ninth place. Chicago was disappointing for Quentin Delabier’s France and Ben Ainslie’s Emirates GBR, who finished sixth and seventh respectively without the fleet racing.

Germany continued its drama-free debut and finished 7th in the fleet’s fourth race. The next meeting for the 10 F50s is the Oracle Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, which will take place on July 22nd and 23rd.