Tom Slingsby led the Australian team to an incredible victory at the first-ever $1 million SailGP championship race in Marseille, France.
The Australian Olympic gold medalist was able to overcome a blunder which occurred at the start and passed his fellow countryman, Nathan Outteridge who was sailing for Team Japan.
Slingsby navigated his foiling F50 Catamaran to the starting box seconds before Outteridge, earning him a penalty. This forced him into starting a few seconds behind Team Japan.
At the fourth gate, Outteridge attempted to cut off Slingsby, but the Aussies sailed clear and rounded onto the last lap in front of Team Japan, as the latter was unable to maintain its speed.
SailGP
The Aussies finished 14 seconds in front of Team Japan, earning them one of the biggest pay-outs in the history of sailing. From the race analysis, the final duel was determined by a gap of 78 centimeters between the two teams. Outteridge and his team attempted to force Slingsby and his team off its course but the tactic was futile as the experience Aussie team held their nerve and created history by winning the inaugural SailGP.
The Aussie team was extremely delighted that they were able to take advantage of crucial moments and win a whopping A$1.5 million. Slingsby told the media that he would split the prize money with his team crew members as the win was a team effort.
Team Japan came in second, followed by Phil Robertson’s led Team China. In fourth place was Dylan Fletcher’s British team. France took fifth place and the United States finished sixth.
The first edition of SailGP has turned out to be a great success and organizers have already confirmed that the second SailGP will take place in early 2020. Slingsby spoke to the media and said that he believed that Australia was home to some of the top sailors in the world and Team Australia winning the first-ever SailGP was great for the sport down under.
Slingsby and his crew are already gearing up for the second season of the SailGP which takes place on February 28 and 29 2020 in Sydney. Team Australia should start out as the favourites as they are not only the defending champions but they will also be sailing in home waters.
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