Twelve national teams are competing in the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix this weekend, marking a historic South American debut for the Rolex SailGP Championship. The venue, Guanabara Bay, features iconic landmarks including Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer, providing a stunning backdrop for the event.
An expected crowd of over 8,000 fans will witness the thrilling races from just metres off the shore. Notably, this event is significant for the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, led by double Olympic gold medallist Martine Grael and her brother Marco Grael, as they race on home waters. Martine reflected on the special nature of sailing in Rio, acknowledging the unique challenges posed by the local conditions and the high level of competition.
The race features 14 Olympic medallists, and local knowledge will play a crucial role in the outcomes, according to Martine. Former teammate Kahena Kunze of the ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team expressed excitement about returning to Rio, highlighting the increased speeds and tactical demands of the event.
The DS Automobiles SailGP Team France will also be back in action, overcoming prior setbacks from a crash in New Zealand that forced their withdrawal from the Sydney event. Driver Quentin Delapierre announced crew changes as the team seeks to regain competitive momentum.
Competition is intense, with the DS Team France and the U.S. SailGP Team battling for points, both tied at 20 points. The U.S. team is riding high after their victory in Sydney, driven by Taylor Canfield, who emphasised the need for continual improvement in this competitive league.
Los Gallos SailGP Team, under new ownership from Quantum Pacific Group, is entering this event in fifth place and aiming to leverage its fresh start for a strong performance.
Racing will commence on Saturday, April 11, at 3 p.m. local time. Weekend tickets are nearly sold out. For updates and more information, fans can visit SailGP.com/Rio and SailGP.com/howtowatch.
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