Incredible comeback for the Canadians to Win the New Zealand Sail Grand Prix!

 

Mar 23, 2023

After hitting their podium in their first two events in this, CAN SailGP’s inaugural season, winning results have been scarce for the Canadians.  But this weekend, the Canadians were the ones to watch, consistently moving up the leaderboard and challenging the hometown favourites.  Having overcome the huge setback following on from the severe weather incident in Sydney last month, the Canadians showed true resiliency and that SPIRIT was back in full force.

Racing got underway on Saturday afternoon in Lyttelton Harbour with picture perfect conditions.  Consistent and strong starts for driver Phil Robertson and the crew, meant solid finishes (5,3,1) that translated to second place after day one. 

Heading into day two, it was critical that the Canadians stay ahead of France and Great Britain to ensure a place in the finals.  Phil Robertson and the crew did just that, finishing sixth and fourth, just what was needed to advance to the finals alongside the home team (NZL) and season leader’s Australia.

Canadians win 400It’s been a few events since the Canadians were in the finals, but Phil and the crew onboard SPIRIT executed a near perfect final race, with fewer manoeuvres and averaging higher speeds than the Australians and the New Zealanders.  Robertson’s match racing skills came in handy and the Canadians maintained a steady lead throughout.  There was a heart wrenching moment on leg five, and a risk that the Kiwis would surge ahead, when the Canadians incurred a boundary penalty.  As it turned out, the penalty meant one less turn for the Canadians and they sailed clearly to the finish to win the first ever event for Canada!

The team applauded SailGP Technologies’ Herculean effort to get SPIRIT back on the start line after Sydney, without their efforts and those of the SailGP Tech Team, none of this would have been possible.  

Sights are now set on the Grand Final in San Francisco on 6-7 May.  

 

CREW LIST // ITM NEW ZEALAND SAIL GRAND PRIX – CHRISTCHURCH

  Phil Robertson / Driver

  Chris Draper / Wing Trimmer

  Billy Gooderham / Flight Controller

  Tim Hornsby / Grinder

  Tom Ramshaw / Grinder

  Graeme Sutherland / Grinder

  Isabella Bertold / Strategist

ITM NEW ZEALAND SAIL GRAND PRIX | CHRISTCHURCH  // 

Final in san francisco 400EVENT RESULTS

1 // Canada   

2 // New Zealand  

3 // Australia 

4 // Emirates Great Britain

5 // France 

6 // United States 

7 // Switzerland 

8 // Denmark 

9 // Spain 

Related Articles

Video Gallery

Nimbus 365 Coupe – A real long-stay cruising boat for exploring

By Andy Adams

There is no shortage of fun and exciting new boat designs hitting the market, but for the last few years these have been mainly outboard-powered day boats. Some are day cruisers; some are centre console fishing boats or designed for tow sports. A new live-aboard cabin boat has become a rare item these days.

So when I heard that Pride Marine in Orillia, Ontario, had a Nimbus 365 Coupe in the water, I jumped at the chance to get out on it.

Read More

Destinations

Tahiti—Updates from Paradise

By Zuzana Prochaska

I’ve been to Tahiti seven times—six on charter and once as crew for a couple of yachties. Over the 25 years that I’ve been visiting, it’s changed dramatically. Yet, inexplicably, it has also stayed the same.

Lounging on the flybridge of our Sunsail 454, I had time to think about this dichotomy as I toasted the nighttime skies of Bora Bora and specifically the Southern Cross, a constellation that never fails to hypnotize. As the Crosby, Stills & Nash (1982) tune reminds us:

…you understand now why you came this way.

Read More

Lifestyle