WHO’S ON FORM?

AUSTRALIA

The team was slow out of the blocks with a 4th in race 1 that left skipper Tom Slingsby visibly fuming: “I’m not sure whether there were any onboard cameras running when we finished, but I was not happy!” he admitted afterwards.

But the crew stepped up to win the four remaining fleet races over the event and lead the final match race with Japan from start to finish.

JAPAN

Generally considered the short odds favourite to win, not least because skipper Nathan Outteridge had spent more time than any of the other skippers sailing the F50 as part of the test team in New Zealand.

The Japanese had the most consistent results on day 1, stringing together wellcontrolled gybes in the patchy conditions, but were dominated by the Australians on day 2.

GREAT BRITAIN

Wing trimmer Chris Draper brings vast experience with his long Cup background sailing for Team Korea, Luna Rossa and Softbank Team Japan. Skipper Dylan Fletcher is joined by his 49er crew

Stuart Bithell.

Notably fast in the race starts, they suffered a number of heavy splashdowns, mostly related to mistiming of foil and rudder adjustments. A deserved 3rd overall.

CHINA

Experienced New Zealand skipper Phil Robertson offered entertaining insight into racing the F50s at closing speeds of 80 knots “I have no idea whether we are going to cross or not cross in any situation! So stay clear!”

The Chinese boat showed excellent straight line speed, frequently powering to the firs mark in the top three, but struggled in manoeuvres at times.

FRANCE

Four-times Nacra 17 World Champion Billy Besson is joined by his Olympic crew and Volvo Ocean Racer winner Marie Riou, the only female sailor currently in the fleet.

Given this team’s foiling experience there was some surprise at their inconsistency over the two days, although their results were not helped by failing to cross the finish line properly in one race, resulting in a DNF.

USA

With an average age of only 26 the USA team is much the youngest of the six crews and also the least experienced in this form of racing. The team battled more than most with completing foiling gybes and on several occasions produced some dramatic twists and turns as they sought to regain control. Nonetheless they recorded a podium finish in race 2 with a third place.