SailGP: Australian team disalberates in San Francisco, Red Bull Italy eighth

Spectacular race course the one offered by the 5th San Francisco leg of the Sail GP circuit, whichsaw the F50s engaged in a wind that varied from 10 to 20 close below the Golden Gate and with a nice tidal current along the coast, often contrary. Flat sea on day 1 and more wave on day 2. Still, a technical race course, which saw very close races and even a serious accident, fortunately without damage to the crew.

Sail GP San Francisco – Red Bull Italy

Ruggero Tita’s Italians maintain the 8th place in each ranking both after the 4 races of day 1, after the 3 races of day 2, and in the overall ranking after the 5th leg, the second one in US waters. Surely the Italian hull would have deserved a better place in the rankings on Day 2 when the Italian team was in danger of being involved in the accident of the Australians.

We are now in the 7th race of the second day, and a disastrous ending to a weekend that had been stellar for Tom Slingsby’s team is being staged. The team in the previous 6 races had more than placed well with brilliant positions (2-3-3-4-5-2). The incident happened before the start as some F50s were moving at high speed in the start box trying to approach the top of the line. At one point Australia came from astern and downwind of RedBull Italy going for the engagement. Strategist Maelle Frascari, who is monitoring the Australians, warns Ruggero Tita who reacts by maneuvering well ahead and hemming to avoid contact, but losing the right timing for the start. At the same time Australia’s wing gives way and breaks, ending up partly on board fortunately without any injuries.

The first day had seen a clear assertion by the Canadians, followed by the Australians and Spaniards. The second saw Spain leading, followed by Canada and France. The overall ranking, after 5 legs, sees Australia in first place with 39 points, followed by Great Britain with 38 and Spain with 36. We then find New Zealand, Canada, France, Switzerland and in 8th place SailGP Italy with 13 points.

Spain, which won the second day of trials, is still coached (after winning SailGP 2024) by our own Simone Salvà, coach of Luna Rossa’s youth and women, winners of the America’s Cup reserved for them in Barcelona.

Ida Castiglioni