SAINT TROPEZ- 08 SEPTEMBER, 2023 – As the France Sail Grand Prix approaches, shots have been fired between the two sailing powerhouses, Australia and New Zealand.
At this morning’s pre-event press conference, Australian driver Tom Slingsby admitted last season’s dramatic incident against the Kiwis was one he’ll “never let go,” describing “having to watch the replays and promos on repeat, non-stop of [me] losing my cool.”
New Zealand driver Peter Burling commented: “I think we all know Tom holds a grudge for quite a while.”
Historically the Australians have never succeeded in St Tropez. In Season 2, the team finished 8th at the back of the fleet in Saint-Tropez, while in Season 3, they finished 5th. “Saint-Tropez was our worst event in Season 2 & 3, and we all acknowledge that we aren’t comfortable here,” he said.
“As hard as it is to watch the racing where you get your arse kicked – we’ve gone back and watched that to figure out why we were losing so badly,” he said. “We’ve got to figure out this venue, the wind shifts and how the racecourse works and do a better job this season.”
The France Sail Grand Prix | Saint Tropez will take place on September 9-10, with racing scheduled between 1.30pm- 3pm CEST. Australians will be able to tune into the action on Fox Sports and Kayo Sports Freebies.
ABOUT SAILGP // SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water. The global championship features national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic stadium-style venues across the globe. The high-tech, high-speed action features sailing’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at speeds approaching 100 km/h. SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. Visit SailGP.com for more information.
CONTACT // Olivia Hogan, Head of Marketing & Communications, APAC | ohogan@sailgpaus.com | AUS +61 44895 3992
