'It's just frustrating': Black Foils left with work to do in first SailGP event in Valencia
SailGP’s debut in Valencia has not been overly kind to New Zealand’s Black Foils.
On the back of a couple of decent events and their first podium race of the season in Sassnitz, Germany, a fortnight ago, the Kiwi crew were left battling in the light conditions in Spain.
The Black Foils ended the day sitting last in the seven-team Group A on just two points - eight behind second-placed Italy (10 points) and nine off leaders Australia (11).
The Kiwis were joint for the lowest points haul of the day alongside Northstar Canada, who were competing in the six-team Group B which was led by Spain (14 points) and Denmark (12).
“I think in the last race there was a little bit to play for but those first two it was really just a procession of that lefthand side so it made it super hard if you got a tough start,” Black Foils driver Peter Burling said.
“We really struggled to make our way forward.”
Things got off to a terrible start for the Black Foils as they were judged to have crossed the starting line early in their first race of the day and had to retreat to the back of the fleet.
That came after their first race was delayed by a couple of minutes as Artemis Sweden tried to address an issue with their jib. The Swedish crew were unable to beat the clock despite the small window given, and had to sit out the group’s first race.
In the light conditions, the Black Foils could not make their way through the fleet after the early penalty and were left to battle away at the back of the pack to finish sixth.
The Kiwis had a better start to their second race, but were still among the back markers early.
This time around, they were able to find ways to gain positions, moving up to fourth by the midway point of the race to pick up a couple of points.
Those were the only points they earned in the day.
Again, the Black Foils couldn’t find their way into a favourable position from the starting line and were left slogging away towards the back of the fleet.
Ultimately, they finished the third and final race of the day in sixth, leaving themselves with plenty of work to do on day two.
“We just struggled to get off the line and get into a good position at mark one. It felt like it was three different things in each race,” Burling said.
“We really struggled with the late change in start times, then we had the big incident with Artemis at the windward end where we killed our acceleration to give them space and they didn’t even get a penalty.
“Plenty to review after today before we feel like there are super small details and we’ll be right there. It’s just frustrating to walk away with two terrible results and a midfielder but there’s plenty to play for tomorrow.”
Earlier in the day, actors and co-owners of Australia’s Fly Roos Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds got an opportunity to race on the SailGP F50s, with Jackman on the Australian boat and Canadian Reynolds aboard Northstar Canada as a sixth sailor, with the latter taking bragging rights.
Bonds Flying Roos co-owners Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds after taking part in the 6th sailor race challenge. Photo / SailGP
Christopher Reive joined the Herald sports team in 2017, bringing the same versatility to his coverage as he does to his sports viewing habits.
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