SailGP team lose two to injury before regatta; Black Foils start strong in Switzerland

As SailGP has moved into a split fleet format, New Zealand’s Black Foils have learnt it can only take one bad race to completely derail a weekend.

They have, however, also proven just how important a couple of extra points can be during an event.

As they went into their third race on a slow day in Switzerland on Sunday morning, they were set up for one of those two outcomes.

Despite the light, tricky conditions, the New Zealand crew had made a strong start to the regatta, finishing second and third in Group B’s first two races of the day to sit at the top of the leaderboard.

But after getting out of position for the start of the final race of the day, they seemed doomed to sail the race at the back of the group.

At a venue with more wind, that might not have been too damning as the league’s switch to split fleet racing means more passing opportunities on the course. But in the light winds on Lake Geneva, those opportunities were limited.

It took until the final turn of the race for the Black Foils to make up places in the six-boat group, capitalising on penalties against Canada and Italy to cross the line in fourth. That was enough to ensure they finished the day second in the group on nine points, one behind Australia with two group races remaining tomorrow.

“All in all, a really good day. [It was] one of those days where you’re in the fight the whole time. No respite at all, just fighting for every metre,” Black Foils wing trimmer Blair Tuke said.

“That last race was case in point, snuck from sixth into fourth and two really valuable points, so all to play for tomorrow.”

Slow racing meant the league had to cut the day short, with Group A only completing two of their scheduled three races, with Sweden and Denmark tied for the lead in the group on six points.

Group A also saw a team sail with two women on board for the first time in SailGP, with Martine Grael called in to drive for the United States, sailing alongside Anna Weis and the American crew.

Grael was the inaugural driver for the Brazilian crew, but parted ways with the team after the regatta in Valencia, Spain, earlier this month as Paul Goodison took over at the helm.

However, with American driver Taylor Canfield ruled out due to an upper body injury, then reserve athlete Harry Melges IV, who was expected to take the wheel in Canfield’s place, was ruled out due to a leg injury.

That saw Grael get the call for an unexpectedly quick return to the league. The American crew, currently clinging to third place in the overall standings, struggled in their two races, however, missing out on the points both times.

Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.