BLACK FOILS SEIZE SEASON 4 LEAD FROM AUSTRALIA WITH TRIUMPHANT HOME WIN IN CHRISTCHURCH
Peter Burling’s New Zealand has delighted home fans by claiming the ultimate win in Christchurch and seizing the season lead from Australia in the process.
The Kiwis trounced France and Canada in dramatic style on Lyttelton Harbour, securing a picture-perfect start and executing a flawless race to take the win on home waters.
Despite efforts by Quentin Delapierre’s France to pass the Black Foils by splitting at Gate 4, the Kiwis proved uncatchable and crossed the finish line to seize their 4th event win of the season.
The results mean the Kiwis take the top spot on the season leaderboard, pushing Tom Slingsby’s Australia into second. The Aussies were force to retire from racing after sustaining significant damage in the first fleet race by colliding with a race mark.
The win came after New Zealand was forced to fight the Canadians tooth and nail in the latter stages of the third fleet race to make the Final. Diego Botin’s Spain initially looked certain to make the three-boat showdown, but a crucial error handed the place to Canada instead.
The refreshed season standings see New Zealand take the lead with 68 points, while Australia slips into second ahead with 59. Spain meanwhile moves up into third place with 55 points.
