The Bonds Flying Roos and Los Gallos are tied on points after a thrilling opening day of the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix, each amassing 32 points. A sold-out crowd witnessed dramatic starts, penalties, and major momentum shifts on the Great Sound, known for its challenging racing conditions.
The U.S. SailGP Team finished Day 1 in third with 28 points after a dominant performance in the first race, leading from start to finish. Germany presented by Deutsche Bank and NorthStar secured unexpected podium finishes in that race by employing effective split-course strategies.
However, the day was not without its challenges. Early penalties affected several teams, including Emirates GBR, which faltered by failing to keep clear of Los Gallos. The Bonds Flying Roos faced a setback too, suffering the same penalty on Los Gallos that pushed them to eighth place in the standings.
Race two saw the Bonds Flying Roos claim victory, showcasing their strong start and strategic control throughout the race. ROCKWOOL Racing and Los Gallos followed suit, with the latter making a late surge to secure a podium spot.
The chaos continued in race three, where a congested start led to penalties and frantic racing. Ultimately, the Bonds Flying Roos and Los Gallos managed to navigate through the turmoil, with Spain taking the race win ahead of the Australians.
The final race of the day was another victory for the Bonds Flying Roos, who overcame a strong challenge from Red Bull Italy. With a decisive move on the right side of the course, the Australians secured their second win, while Los Gallos finished fourth, leaving them tied for first place in the overall standings heading into the championship day.
Tom Slingsby, the driver for the Bonds Flying Roos, praised the racing conditions, describing them as “ideal” for the boats. Meanwhile, Los Gallos driver Diego Botín acknowledged the challenges posed by the winds but expressed satisfaction with their performance.
The day also featured an injury to Glenn Ashby from the DS Automobiles Team France, which sidelined the crew temporarily. Remarkably, they returned to the race in the final heat, thanks to the quick registration of the reserve athlete from the Bonds Flying Roos, Tom Needham.
Artemis did not compete due to a technical issue discovered during practice, with efforts underway to repair the boat for the Sunday’s races.
The racing action will continue on May 10 at 2 p.m. local time, promising more excitement on the water. For further details, visit SailGP.com/Bermuda.
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