September 24, 2022
1 minute reading time
SailGP: Excitement builds in Cádiz as flying F50 fleet hits the water for practice racing
Excitement is building in Cádiz as the nine-strong flying F50 fleet took to the water to begin practice racing ahead of this weekend’s Spain Sail grand Prix presented by NEAR.
With no training sessions taking place this event due to the fast turnaround from Saint-Tropez two weeks ago, it was the fleet’s first opportunity to practice tactics and manoeuvres ahead of official racing getting underway tomorrow.
Reigning SailGP champions Australia will attempt to repeat its Season 2 triumph on the Bay of Cádiz as its narrow one-point lead over the Kiwis hangs by a thread.
Home favourites Spain meanwhile is hoping to impress, with Cádiz marking the first home event for driver Jordi Xammar. The home team put in an improved performance in practice racing, finishing third in the second fleet race of the day.
Elsewhere, there was picture-perfect foiling from New Zealand and Australia with the Aussies winning the first and third fleet race and New Zealand triumphing in the second.
The rivals went head-to-head in the practice Final alongside Phil Robertson’s Canada, with Australia emerging victorious.
U.S. athlete Erika Reineke meanwhile made her F50 debut, stepping into the strategist position for the first time.
Racing takes place in Cádiz between 16:00-18:30 CEST on Saturday and Sunday.
Text and images courtesy of SailGP.