Australia Leads as USA Faces Disqualification at Switzerland SailGP
Australia secured a strong lead at the Switzerland Sail Grand Prix on March 15, 2024, despite challenging sailing conditions. The team, helmed by Tom Slingsby, finished the day with 25 points, placing them at the top of the leaderboard, two points ahead of the British team. The day saw a fourth-place finish in their first race, a decisive victory in the second, and a third in the final race before organizers canceled the fourth due to insufficient wind.
Mixed Results Amid Difficult Conditions
The afternoon proved difficult for many competitors, as only three athletes were permitted on board each vessel instead of the usual six, a decision made to adapt to the adverse conditions. The wingsails were set to a standard height of 24 metres. Despite these adjustments, Australia demonstrated superior navigation skills throughout the day.
“Results wise, it went as well as it could have,” Slingsby told The Athletic. He acknowledged some challenges, including mistakes at the start of one race that he described as “an own goal.” He added, “In races one and three, we probably overtook seven or eight boats, and that’s very tough to do on such a small course.” Slingsby’s team managed to stay on the foils longer than their competitors, which contributed significantly to their success.
The British team, led by Dylan Fletcher, continued their strong performance following a victory at Saint-Tropez, France. Fletcher noted the challenges of racing with fewer crew members: “It’s not too bad with only three on board, but what really adds that extra element is trying to race.” He emphasized the need to focus more on sailing, stating, “When you are having to do three jobs, making the tactical decisions whilst also trying to sail the boat fast is where it becomes challenging.”
USA’s Frustrating Day
The United States faced a particularly disappointing day on the water. They were disqualified from the opening race after nearly causing a collision with Denmark. Subsequent performances included a fourth-place finish in the second race, but the team ended with a 12th-place finish in the third.
“It’s super frustrating,” said Taylor Canfield, driver for the American team. He expressed his disappointment with the situation, recounting the pre-race strategy discussions. “We walked through the situation coming into the day over and over again about what do we do if we’re early at the start and about to be shut out,” he explained. Unfortunately, they found themselves in a difficult position and could not execute their plan effectively.
Looking ahead, Sunday’s racing has been rescheduled to begin at 13:00 BST (08:00 ET) due to potential storm threats, providing teams a chance to adjust their strategies and improve their performances.
As the competition continues, the Australian team will aim to build on their lead, while the British team seeks to capitalize on their recent momentum. For the American team, the focus will be on recovery and regaining their competitive edge.
