Spain Seize Day One Lead at KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
by SailGP 28 Feb 11:35 GMT
28 February - 1 March 2026
The SailGP F50 catamaran fleet races past the Sydney skyline seen from Shark Island on Race Day 1 of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney, Australia © Travis Hayto for SailGP
Spain were the form team on day one in Sydney, sailing into the sunset with two wins in four fleet races. Those unafraid to make bold, decisive moves were rewarded around the split Shark Island racetrack - as experienced crews made the most of lucky shifts to pick their way through the 11-boat fleet.
Los Gallos lead the fleet with 32 points on the event leaderboard, followed by the BONDS Flying Roos with 28 points. The Artemis SailGP Team round out the podium group in third with 26 points - while Emirates GBR and Red Bull Italy remain in the hunt for tomorrow's Final, tied on points (23) in fourth and fifth, respectively.
The home crowd had plenty to cheer about as the BONDS Flying Roos opened racing in Sydney with a commanding win. Hunting down ROCKWOOL Racing on the first upwind leg to edge past the Danes as the two teams traded tacks in tight formation. Emirates Great Britain held steady in third while the fleet navigated shifty, patchy conditions that pushed speeds close to 60 km/h and made staying on the foils critical.
Tash Bryant, BONDS Flying Roos strategist said, "Today was pretty crazy and really unpredictable. Consistency was key. We had a couple of tough races in the middle, but we managed to scrape through the fleet a little bit, and going into tomorrow in contention is all we can really ask for."
Spain's Los Gallos delivered a clinical performance to take victory in race 2, capitalizing on a decisive tactical move late in the race. Switzerland had earlier seized control after a perfectly timed start, leading the fleet through the opening stages while Los Gallos and Mubadala Brazil gave chase. The race turned at Gate 3 when Diego Botin's Spanish crew opted for the right-hand turn, a move that allowed them to sweep past Switzerland and take the lead.
Diego Botín, Los Gallos driver said, "It's very tough because you really need to sail the wind you have at that moment, while also trying to predict what's coming next. Here in Sydney, it's a course with a lot of land features, and you can tell the teams that have sailed here a lot are reading them very well. We're trying to catch up on that, and I think we did a good job today."
Race 3 began in slowly-unfolding chaos - with Germany, Australia and Denmark penalized for being over the line, as the U.S. crossed in front of Switzerland, delaying both teams in getting away. That opened the door for Spain's Los Gallos, Artemis Racing and NorthStar Canada to surge ahead early in clean air, with Spain leading the fleet to their second race win of the day.
Following a penalty review hearing, the umpires imposed a two-point penalty on the U.S. SailGP Team for breaching rule 14 - three points for contact, mitigated by one point. A penalty points review requested by the Americans will be conducted overnight.
Taylor Canfield, U.S. SailGP Team driver said, "It was a really tricky situation — we got into a spot we couldn't get out of. We did everything we could to avoid the start mark and the Swiss, but unfortunately there just wasn't quite enough room. The Italians kind of created the incident and forced us to the other side of the start line. It's a bummer, but we'll prepare and be back out there tomorrow."
In the fourth and final fleet race, the BONDS Flying Roos fought back through the fleet to claim their second win of the day in front of the home crowd. The Aussies were buoyed by the return of Iain 'Goobs' Jensen, returning from knee injury to make his home debut on Sydney Harbor.
Tom Slingsby, BONDS Flying Roos driver said, "It was great to give Goobs [Iain Jensen] a proper homecoming and get out there and win his first race back in the green and gold. For me, it's just awesome. I've been wanting to sail with Goobs for so long — we've been great mates for more than 30 years — and to finally race together is amazing."
He continued, "As most know, he's the godfather to my son, and we've been talking about sailing together for 20 years. We finally did it, and to win the first race back — and the last race today — is pretty special. We're stoked."
Thousands of fans came along to watch the action on Shark Island, with thousands more watching from the official spectator fleet and on-water hospitality. The 'birthplace of SailGP,' Sydney is the most established destination on the Rolex SailGP Championship calendar - having hosted the event a record seven times.
Eleven national teams competed, with New Zealand's 'Black Foils' and DS Automobiles Team France ruled out following significant damage in Auckland earlier this month.
Limited tickets to Sunday's action remain - available at SailGP.com/Sydney. Check SailGP.com/Watch for broadcast listings.