SAILGP
SailGP+ members have narrowly backed Peter Burling’s New Zealand to secure victory in Portsmouth this weekend as the league returns to British waters for the first time since Season 3.
The Kiwis picked up 25.5% of the vote, beating current season leaders Spain, which received just 5.8% of fans’ support.
Other league heavyweights BONDS Flying Roos (13.7%) and NorthStar Canada (11.7%) were also beaten by Burling’s crew, while Dylan Fletcher’s home team Emirates GBR came second, with 19.6% of the vote.
It comes after New Zealand finished second in New York – its first podium finish since coming second in L.A. and, before that, winning the season opener in Dubai.
However, few teams have significant racing experience in Portsmouth – a new SailGP venue this season – which could level the fleet when racing gets underway.
The weekend racing schedule will see up to seven fleet races take place before the top three teams on points proceed into the three-boat, winner-takes-all Final. Teams will have their first opportunity to size each other up when practice racing gets underway on Friday, July 18.
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth takes place on July 19/20, with racing between 4pm-5.30pm.
