REPORT: Spain Triumphs In San Francisco
A tough weekend for the U.S. SailGP Team on home waters ends with victory for Spain
Published 03/23/2025
Spain became the fifth different winners in as many events this season, clinching victory in the Final of the Oracle San Francisco Grand Prix on Sunday.
For Taylor Canfield and the U.S. SailGP Team, it was not to be as they went 10-8-10. There was a dramatic start to Fleet Race 7 as Australia suffered a wing malfunction in the start box. Thankfully, no one aboard was injured.
That catastrophe meant that Tom Slingsby and Australia were unable to compete in the Final and France - winners of Fleet Race 5 - took their place instead.
The U.S. SailGP Team had started that race strongly but it was Canada out in front with Switzerland and the French close behind. Those three traded places throughout with France eventually taking the win, New Zealand in second and Spain in third. For the U.S., it was disappointment as Germany snuck into ninth, meaning a P10 to open the day.
The U.S. SailGP Team F50 Catamaran in front of the San Francisco shoreline
Diego Botin and Spain continued their impressive afternoon in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, building on that third-place finish to win Fleet Race 6. For the U.S. SailGP Team, a strong finish saw them climb to eighth.
Australia’s issues in the start box dominated proceedings in Fleet Race 7 but once again there were familiar names in the chase for the Final. New Zealand took the win but it was too little too late for the Black Fouls. Spain clinched second to make it three straight podiums while France were the beneficiaries of Australia’s misfortune – their third-place finish resulting in fourth overall and a Final berth.
Spain and Diego Botin celebrate victory in the Final
Having snuck into the Final, Quentin Delapierre and co. made the perfect start but were overtaken by Botin and Spain, who led throughout to make it back-to-back wins in San Francisco in consecutive seasons. Canada and Giles Scott were second with France in third.
Next up, it’s a first for SailGP as the sport makes its debut in South America. Rio de Janeiro hosts event six in Season Five on the weekend of May 3-4.
Claim your own U.S. SailGP Team Crew Card
Join the Crew
Support
Contact
Powered By
© FanCapital LLC