Dubai events results: New Zealand 10, Australia 9, Canada 8, France 7, Great Britain 6, Denmark 5, Switzerland 4, United States 3, Germany 2, Spain 1.
New Zealand won the SailGP in Dubai after the closest result in the event’s history.
Three boats were abreast and the New Zealanders finished the final race inches ahead of the Australians. Canada crossed the line first but were denied victory due to a last-gasp penalty on Monday (New Zealand time).
It was the Kiwi team’s second event since returning from a broken wing which prevented them from completing the race in France and Italy in September. They returned to Spain in October but did not make the podium.
The New Zealand sailors were not sure if they had won in Dubai.
“Failing at the bottom mark, it was anyone’s game. We slammed the boat shut for about 20 seconds trying to make that turn, so it was a great job by the crew to make a good final move and give ourselves a chance,” driver Peter Burling said.
Trimmer Blair Tuke said they were eventually subdued.
SAILGP/Supplied
Kiwi, Australian and Canadian boats were side by side to the finish line.
“We didn’t know we had won at first, but when it was confirmed it was a big moment for the team.
“This group has had a tough few months with a lot of ups and downs, so to end 2023 this way is unbelievable.”
It was the second event completed by the New Zealand team since its stunning wing collapse in France in September.
The loss meant that they were unable to compete in the next event in Italy.
“The winger falling in Saint-Tropez was a very difficult moment for the team,” Tuck said.
“Today was our first day back to sailing, and of course that plays on our minds, but we came out and showed how strong we are. This team has a lot of determination.”
New Zealand’s victory in Dubai raised it to third place in the overall standings behind Australia and Denmark.
SailGP racing resumes in January in Abu Dhabi before three more events next year in Sydney, New Zealand and Bermuda.
SailGP leaderboard after six events: Australia 52, Denmark 41, New Zealand 40, Great Britain 38, United States 35, Spain 33, Canada 32, France 31, Switzerland 15, Germany 10.
