|

Dubai: NZ Edges Canada at the Finish Line

Dec 13, 2023

At the Dubai event this weekend, the Canada SailGP Team was in tough with the top contenders but, in the end, finished a very creditable third by a nose.

In the thriller, winner-takes-all final race, the lead changed constantly and at the finish there was utter confusion as all three finalists – New Zealand, Canada, and Australia – were side by side, meters from both the shoreline and the finish line and no one was clear who had taken the win.

The fleet in action on Race Day 1 of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 9th December 2023. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Phil Robertson’s Canada SailGP Team appeared to have the upper hand heading into the final mark as it surged ahead in front of a sold out Dubai crowd. But Robertson was penalized for not providing Australia – driven by Jimmy Spithill who was standing in for regular driver Tom Slingsby – with enough space to get around the final mark, and despite crossing the line first, the victory went to the Kiwis who snuck in at the very last minute.

This strong showing and the relentless dedication of the Canadian sailors bodes well for the Halifax event in June. Look for our team to pour on the muscle when the crowds gather in Nova Scotia.

Paul Campbell-James, wing trimmer of Canada SailGP Team, runs across the Canada SailGP Team F50 catamaran during a practice session ahead of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 8th December 2023. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

EMIRATES DUBAI SAIL GRAND PRIX PRESENTED BY P&O MARINAS // FINAL STANDINGS //
1 // New Zealand 10 points
2 // Australia 9 points
3 // Canada 8 points
4 // France 7 points
5 // Emirates GBR 6 points
6 // ROCKWOOL Denmark 5 points
7 // Switzerland 4 points
8 // United States 3 points
9 // Germany 2 points
10 // Spain 1 point

Canada SailGP Team helmed by Phil Robertson sail past the Race Stadium on Race Day 1 of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 9th December 2023. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

SAILGP SEASON 4 CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (after six events) //
1 // Australia 52 points
2 // ROCKWOOL Denmark 41 points
3 // New Zealand 40 points
4 // Emirates GBR 38 points
5 // United Stated 35 points
6 // Spain 33 points
7 // Canada 32 points
8 // France 31 points
9 // Switzerland 15 points
10 // Germany 10 points

Related Articles

  • News: CAN Sail GP Has New Owner

    News: CAN Sail GP Has New Owner

    Oct 2, 2024 SailGP has confirmed the acquisition of the Canada SailGP Team by Canadian biotech entrepreneur, Dr. Greg Bailey. In a move set to send shockwaves through the global racing championship, double Olympic Gold medalist Giles Scott has been signed as driver for the Canadian team.  SailGP Managing Director Andrew Thompson said: “We’re thrilled to… Read More…

  • Sail Canada announced today that Mike Milner will be moving on from the organization

    Sail Canada announced today that Mike Milner will be moving on from the organization

    Sept 13, 2024 Serving as High Performance Director for six and a half years, Mike Milner was a significant contributor to the successes of the Canadian Sailing Team and his leadership supported the growth of Sail Canada’s Development Squad, the development of the Sail Canada Identified Athlete Program and investments in coach development.  “On behalf… Read More…