SailGP’s highly anticipated return to the iconic city of Sydney has finally arrived, marking the commencement of the 8th event in Season 4 this afternoon.
Over two action-packed days of racing on Sydney Harbour, SailGP’s ten national teams will go head-to-head, vying for glory before enthusiastic crowds. Following three opening fleet races on Saturday, February 24, additional races on Sunday will determine the three Finalists who will advance to the winner-takes-all, three-boat Final.
Watch: KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix live stream from anywhere
Over the next month, the series will unfold in Australia and New Zealand, renowned regions for water sports. Returning to Australia after last season’s performance in Harbour City, Sydney, the home team led by Tom Slingsby enters the race with a six-point lead, aiming to sustain their advantage in familiar waters.
As of today’s race, Team Australia (56 points) holds a six-point lead over the field, with Team New Zealand (50 points) closely trailing. Following Team New Zealand, there is a 13-point gap between Team Australia and the rest of the field, setting the stage for a two-team race in the fourth season of SailGP Racing.
Watch: KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix live stream from anywhere
The standings continue with Team United States (43 points) and Team Rockwool Denmark (13 points) tied for third place, succeeded by Team Spain (42 points), Team Emirates GBR (41 points), Team France (38 points), Team Canada (37 points), Team Germany (16 points), and Team Switzerland (14 points) in the last position.
The Australia Sail Grand Prix features three fleet races (with all 10 teams competing) on each of Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Then, the three highest ranking teams from the six fleet races qualify for a one-race final.
RACE DAY 1 | SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Race Times | 16:00-17:30 AEDT
RACE DAY 2 | SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Race Times | 16:00-17:30 AEDT
As Slingsby told the Financial Review: “Last year I think we got to 95-96 km/h in Sydney, so if we get a good solid sea-breeze or a big southerly front come down the coast, it will be a good shot for us to break that 100 km/h mark.”
That would be a stunning achievement – and the Bureau of Meteorology currently forecast a southerly of 20 to 30 km/h on Saturday.
Just as important for Team Australia is the opportunity to win their first race of the season. Slingsby’s team leads the championship thanks to a lot of podium finishes throughout the season – but they’re still awaiting their first race win of the campaign.
Australia has 56 points after seven rounds (from a maximum of 70, given 10 points goes to the winner each event). New Zealand has 50 and the United States and Denmark have 43 each.
How to Watch Australia Sail Grand Prix from New Zealand, US, Canada or anywhere:
Game Date: Feb. 24, 2024
Game Time: 12:00 a.m. ET
TV: CBSSN
Live stream: KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix, Sydney on PremiumTV: Start Watching With PremiumTV