The inaugural ROCKWOOL Canada Sail Grand Prix held in Halifax has been won by Emirates Great Britain who overcame all challenges to secure their first win since last September. It was also Giles Scott’s maiden event win since taking over from Ben Ainslie.
In what was a cold, windy and shifty event, Emirates Great Britain reached the final without scoring a race win. With them in the final were France and ROCKWOOL Denmark. As with many of these races, it was a case of win the start and extend for the British team, leaving the other 2 teams to battle it out for minor placings.
The fleet racing was spectacular, with speeds into the 90+ kmph several near capsizes plus one full capsize, courtesy of our own Australian SailGP Team. After an almost capsize earlier in a port/starboard situation with the Canadians (once again!), the team looked to be back in control in Race 5, when the wing appeared to invert for no reason whilst cruising upwind with nobody near them. Following a similar capsize by the USA Team in Bermuda, commentators were quick to blame the crew for pressing the wrong button – but this is a team full of experience in these F50 boats, so I very much doubt that’s the case. I for one, am eagerly waiting for some official comment on this.
The other 2 top teams in the season standings, NZ and Spain, also failed to make the final, but Spain have leap-frogged the Aussies into 2nd place, whilst NZ retain their top spot.
