By Le Figaro with AFP
Published
SailGP JOSH EDELSON / AFP
The 3rd stage of the SailGP season was won this Sunday in the Var by Great Britain. The French failed.
Great Britain won the 3rd stage of the SailGP season on Sunday in Saint-Tropez (Var), the Blues having missed their chance after failed starts during the last qualifying regattas of the day. During the three-boat grand final, the British, led by Sir Ben Ainslie, the most decorated sailor in history, overtook the Australian favorites just before the final mark. Spain completed the competition podium.
During the last two qualifying regattas of the day, the Blues missed their starts and twice finished in 9th and last place in the provisional ranking. Sixth at the end of qualifying, the French team failed to reach the final, despite a good first day on Saturday. In the general rankings for the season, Australia is in the lead (26 points) ahead of Spain (24 points) and Denmark (23 points).
The British won their first victory of the year in Saint-Tropez and are in fourth place (19 points). France is now ranked seventh (13 points).
The SailGP is an international circuit where the F50 catamarans of ten seasoned crews compete on the water during ultra-fast regattas. On each of the boats are sailing stars, such as the New Zealander Peter Burling, Olympic champion in 49er (2016) and double winner of the prestigious America’s Cup (2017 and 2021) or the American Jimmy Spithill. Australia, led by coxswain Tom Slingsby, won the first three seasons.