SailGP: Burling looks for Black Foils to regain momentum as Championship race tightens

Cadiz offers a chance for New Zealand to reset after a disappointing eighth place at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix saw them slip from first to third in the Season 5 standings with just two events to go.

They remain in the hunt for the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi next month, but driver Peter Burling admits there’s no room for error this weekend, with the BONDS Flying Roos, Emirates GBR and home hopes Los Gallos tight on points in the overall top four.

“It’s definitely no secret that Geneva was not the result we were looking for,” driver Peter Burling admitted ahead of this weekend’s racing in Spain. “The team’s definitely been putting in a lot of hard work to really unpack that result and figure out how to make sure we move forward. For us, there were definitely some real positives in the light airs and we felt like we’re doing some things really well, but just a few key decisions, I suppose, on my behalf really let us down.”

Burling underlined just how unforgiving the SailGP fleet has become. “I think it shows you how close the racing is as well, where one or two decisions that aren’t the best can really put you right to the back. That just shows you the level SailGP’s getting to across the board.

“For us it’s about putting our best foot forward and making sure we put a good score on the board this weekend now.”

The Kiwi team are fired up and revelling in the uniqueness of the Andalucian venue, with Burling adding that the 4,000 fans expected at SailGP’s Waterfront Grandstand this weekend are in for a treat.

“It’s such a cool venue. The fan experience being up on that wall, really getting that bird’s eye view, is absolutely amazing. And I’m sure all the coaches will say it’s probably their favorite venue from the booth.”

With Abu Dhabi looming, the battle at the top of the leaderboard hangs in the balance. Burling is clear about his team’s goal.

“I’m sure it won’t be decided prior to Abu Dhabi, so it’ll be continuing to build momentum. I think we’ve said all season long, we just want to be the team that’s on form going to into Abu Dhabi and we’re really looking forward to making it a reality.”

All eyes will be on the Kiwis to see if they can bounce back in Cadiz.

The DP World Spain Sail Grand Prix takes place on October 4/5 between 3.30pm and 5pm CEST (1.30pm – 3pm UTC).

Find out how to WATCH this weekend’s action from Cadiz, wherever you are in the world.

Text and images courtesy of SailGP.com. Read more here.