SailGP: US stun Aussies to win Spain Sail Grand Prix as Italy make history

The US looked beaten as the Bonds Flying Roos led the Final from the opening mark, but Canfield’s crew refused to give up, hunting down the Aussies before ultimately passing them for a statement victory.

It was the U.S. team’s first event win since the KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix back in March, and their first Final appearance since that triumph.

Crucially, the result injects fresh life into their bid to qualify for the three-team Season Championship Final, moving them above Artemis into third on the overall leaderboard with just three Grands Prix remaining. Behind them, Red Bull Italy made history by claiming third and its first-ever event podium since joining SailGP last season.

It was a remarkable turnaround for a team that had never previously reached a Final. Phil Robertson delivered a sensational performance in Valencia to win the opening fleet race of the day to make it three wins from four races, and book Red Bull Italy’s place in the finale.

But the biggest heartbreak belonged to home team Los Gallos. After dominating the opening and emerging as the form team in Valencia with a 1-1-2 scorecard, Diego Botin’s team suffered a nightmare opening race on Sunday. Starting at the back in light and tricky conditions, Los Gallos couldn’t recover and crossed the finish line last. With race management subsequently confirming there would be just one fleet race for each group before the Final, the result ended the Spanish team’s hopes of racing for victory on home waters.

It was a brutal reversal of fortunes for Los Gallos, who had looked almost unstoppable 24 hours earlier. The United States, meanwhile, seized their opportunity.

After a 20-minute delay because of light winds, Canfield nailed the start and was the only boat in the group to get onto the foils immediately. While the rest of the fleet struggled along at around 15km/h, the Americans accelerated away at approximately 35km/h. They never looked back.

Germany by Deutsche Bank finished second, with NorthStar completing the podium after passing ROCKWOOL Racing late in the race. The Danes held on for fourth despite a late charge from DS Team France.

It meant the U.S. and ROCKWOOL Racing progressed to the Final, setting up a four-team showdown alongside the Bonds Flying Roos and Red Bull Italy.

And what a Final it was.

The Bonds Flying Roos took the early lead, with the U.S. and ROCKWOOL Racing locked into pursuit. The B looked firmly in control as the fleet raced around Valencia’s tight course, seemingly on course for a sixth event victory of the season. That would have been a new SailGP single-season record, surpassing the five event wins achieved by New Zealand in Season 4 and their own five-win streak in Season 2.

Canfield had other ideas. The U.S. found a way past the Aussies, only for the Bonds Flying Roos to respond immediately, powering back into the lead at the top mark. With one maneuver remaining, the Australians appeared to have the win secured. Then came the twist. Canfield’s crew launched one final attack and surged past the Bonds Flying Roos to take the lead at the death, holding their nerve to cross the finish line first.

The Bonds Flying Roos had to settle for second, while Red Bull Italy completed an extraordinary day by taking third.

With only three Grands Prix remaining after Valencia, the fight for the top three is becoming increasingly intense. The Bonds Flying Roos tighten their grip at the top, extending their lead over second-placed Los Gallos to 17 points. But the biggest gain went to the Americans, who leapfrog Artemis and Emirates GBR to occupy third. And after a Super Sunday that delivered a home heartbreak, an Italian breakthrough and an extraordinary Australian collapse, the Season Championship race is officially wide open.

Text and images courtesy of SailGP.com.