MAY 30, 2026 – NEW YORK | The opening day of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix featured a chaotic shootout as teams battled wet and wild conditions on the Hudson River. Gusts of up to 40km/h severely disrupted the fleet, with only three teams able to compete due to extreme winds hampering pre-race operations.
Four F50 catamarans were launched – Australia, Emirates GBR, Spain, and the U.S. – determined by championship standings; however, only three made it to the startline after the Bonds Flying Roos suffered a dramatic pre-race nosedive caused by a hydraulic issue.
U.S. SailGP Team driver Taylor Canfield, competing on home waters for the first time this season, commented, “It was very gusty – just a crazy racecourse. At times, it felt controlled, but then you were bearing away in a 20-plus knot puff, doing nearly 100 km/h towards a rock wall, necessitating quick adjustments.”
Three races were held, with the U.S. SailGP finishing last in races two and three after missing race one. The opening day belonged to the heavyweights Emirates GBR and Spain, who delivered a masterclass in high-speed overtakes and tactical execution. Emirates GBR’s Dylan Fletcher won the opening race, while Spain’s Diego Botín skillfully managed the wind and waves to secure victories in the second and third races.
A fresh, northerly breeze sweeping over Manhattan skyscrapers created highly turbulent conditions, which Botín described as “super tough.” He noted the challenges posed by the required 24-meter wing, making the catamaran harder to sail in such weather. Despite the challenges, the team successfully completed the races, returning the boat in one piece while enjoying spectacular sailing.
Though it wasn’t the opening day that teams anticipated, the shoreline energy remained high. U.S. SailGP Team strategist Anna Weis remarked, “It was super cool knowing that everybody was out there wanting to see us race. The views of Lady Liberty and Manhattan were stunning.”
All teams now prepare for Championship Sunday, aiming to make their mark in front of Governor’s Island and the Manhattan skyline. Repairs to the Bonds Flying Roos F50 catamaran are ongoing.
Racing resumes on Sunday, May 31, starting at 3:30 p.m. local time. More information can be found at SailGP.com/NewYork. U.S. fans can catch live coverage across CBS Sports Network, while international fans can check SailGP.com/how-to-watch for details.
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