This weekend, the eleventh SailGP regatta of the season will be held in New York, coinciding with the start of Kieler Woche. The atmosphere is tense in the paddock in the Big Apple as teams gear up for the penultimate event of the fourth SailGP season. In the city that never sleeps, teams are looking to secure the best possible position for the final showdown in San Francisco.
Five racing teams, including the Germany SailGP team, had the opportunity to train on Thursday. The conditions in New York presented unique challenges, with higher-than-expected winds and waves. The presence of tourist boats creating waves near the Statue of Liberty added to the complexity of the training session. Despite the difficulties, the teams appreciated the chance to practice in new conditions.
German team member Erik Heil highlighted the anticipated challenges for the upcoming regatta, expecting stronger winds and waves on a relatively short race course. The team’s goal remains focused on achieving a top-three finish by making the most of their training time and improving their performance in each race.
In comparison to more experienced teams in the SailGP, the German team acknowledges that they have fewer days on the boat. However, they are working on utilizing their time effectively to enhance their skills and competitiveness. Erik Heil emphasized the importance of training together and using various methods, such as simulators, to improve their performance.
The upcoming regatta in New York will see the New Zealand team leading the overall standings, followed closely by the Spaniards and Australians. With only two regattas left in the season, teams are vying for a spot in the final race in San Francisco. The Australians, in third place overall, are under pressure to perform well after a series of disappointing results this season.
Other teams to watch include the Spanish and Danish teams, who are within striking distance of the leaders. The US team is eager to impress at their home event, while the British team is looking to build on their recent victory in Halifax. The SailGP races will be broadcast live, offering fans the opportunity to witness the action-packed competition in the Big Apple.
As teams prepare to face the challenges of wind and waves in New York, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive weekend of sailing. Stay tuned for thrilling races and unexpected twists as the teams battle it out on the water in the city that never sleeps.