Australia lead fleet after record-setting opening day at Germany Sail Grand Prix in Sassnitz
by SailGP 16 Aug 18:59 BST
Australia tops the table after a fast and furious day one of the inaugural Germany Sail Grand Prix. Thousands of fans cheered from the sold-out Race Stadium, as the Germany SailGP Team, presented by Deutsche Bank, claimed the opening fleet race of the weekend, and ROCKWOOL Denmark clocked a new speed record of 103.93 km/h.
Eleven national teams hit the start line in gusty, dynamic conditions, braced for speed with 18-meter wings, high-speed rudders and foils - the first time the configuration has been used this season, and first time ever with high-speed titanium foils. German driver Erik Heil likened the conditions to "racing on the edge" just after claiming the opening win of the day - the team's first fleet race victory since Dubai (November 2024).
Celebrating on-shore, Heil said, "It's almost like it was scripted - exactly what you want, absolutely amazing. You can't hear much out there, but you can feel the vibration of the grandstands and that's something very special."
Fleet race 2 went the way of Emirates GBR, followed by France in second and the BONDS Flying Roos in third. ROCKWOOL Denmark had plenty to celebrate in race 3, claiming not only the league's new top speed, but victory as well. The previous speed record of 99.97 km/h was set by Quentin Delappiere in Saint-Tropez in Season 3.
Driver Nicolai Sehested welcomed the milestone after a season that hasn't been without its challenges. "This season we've struggled a little bit with the breeze compared to last season," he said, "But I think we're improving every day, getting faster and faster."
In the final fleet race of the day, disaster struck for the U.S. SailGP Team after an otherwise-promising opening day - including a third in race one and fourth in race three. The Americans collided with Emirates GBR on the second upwind leg of race four, smashing off their port bow and causing a hole in the bottom of the Brits' back hull. The U.S. will not compete tomorrow due to the damage, with further assessments to both teams' F50s still under way.
As a result, the team was handed a 12-point event penalty and eight-point season penalty, in what driver Taylor Canfield called "a frustrating end" to a "great week for the team." Canfield continued, "It was a big mistake and very costly - you know, for both teams. This is sport at a very high level and you know, I put my hand up - it's not an easy one."
Australia were undisputedly the form team of the day, with an impressive 6, 3, 1, 2 scoreline placing the BONDS Flying Roos on top of the event leaderboard with 32 points, ahead of New Zealand in second, tied on points with France in third (24 points each). Emirates GBR sit just outside the top table in fourth with 23 points.
Mubadala Brazil did not compete after the front beam of the team's F50 collapsed in a high-impact nosedive in yesterday's practice. Further analysis continues, but an initial review indicates the front hydro-foil being dropped at the wrong time while traveling at high speed, causing the boat to excessively twist, exceeding load limits.
Earlier today, SailGP also confirmed a three-season commitment to racing in Germany, with events scheduled in 2026 and 2027, alongside a host of other 2027 venues now confirmed. Sassnitz' debut has already proven a hit with local racing fans, with 13,000 fans expected across the weekend.
The most exciting racing on water continues tomorrow, with live racing beginning at 3.30pm CEST. Only a handful of Sunday tickets remain, available for purchase at sailgp.com/tickets
Leaderboard after day 1:
1. Bonds Flying Roos 32pts
2. Black Foils 24pts
3. France 24pts
4. GER Deutsche Bank 23pts
5. Los Gallos 22pts
6. Emirates GBR 19pts
7. Rockwool Racing 18pts
8. Northstar 16pts
9. Switzerland 12pts
10. Red Bull Italy 12pts
11. United States 5pts
12. Mubadala Brazil 0pts