The BONDS Flying Roos triumphed again at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, taking their second consecutive victory in challenging Auckland conditions. This win positions Australia at the top of the overall standings, tied on 19 points with Great Britain but leading on countback.
In a thrilling Podium Final, conducted in gusts of up to 45 km/h, Australia faced off against Great Britain and Spain, ultimately clinching the victory and showcasing a masterclass performance. This event win marked the first for the three-time Rolex SailGP Champions since their previous triumph on these waters in January 2025.
Driver and CEO Tom Slingsby expressed the significance of this victory after a lengthy wait since their last event win. “It’s huge for us to come away with the win here. It’s been a year since our last event victory, so it’s been a long time between drinks. We’ve been sailing really well, and it’s nice to be rewarded for that,” he noted, reflecting on the challenges faced during the race.
Slingsby highlighted a strong performance by Glenn Ashby, who stepped in as a ‘super sub’ in place of the injured Iain Jensen, earning Athlete of the Day honours over the weekend. Slingsby praised Ashby, stating, “He’s done an incredible job stepping into the team. We wouldn’t be in this position without him. If this ends up being his last event with us, we’re incredibly grateful. He’s one of the best in the world.”
The fast-paced Super Sunday saw the BONDS Flying Roos setting a new team speed record, joining SailGP’s exclusive 100 km/h club, as excitement builds for their upcoming event in Sydney Harbour on 28 February and 1 March. Slingsby expressed enthusiasm for the homecoming event, sharing how much it means to the crew: “If we could choose one event to win all year, it would be Sydney – that’s our focus now.”
As the crew prepares for the unique twilight racing conditions in Sydney, they acknowledge the challenges ahead, including managing glare from the setting sun, which will be critical during the event. With limited tickets available, fans are encouraged to secure attendance for the highly anticipated KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix to experience the thrilling speeds and world-class racing firsthand.
For more information and to purchase tickets visit sailgp.com/sydney.
#SailGP #sailgpaus #bondsflyingroos #Australia #Auckland #SydneySailGrandPrix #Sailing
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