Giles Scott has secured his second podium result in as many events after placing third at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix. While Scott was hoping for a win on his birthday in New York, his Emirates GBR SailGP Team finished third in the US capital. The result means the Brits are the only team to make it in to the final races of the last two events, after winning the Canadian Sail Grand Prix earlier this month.
The British crew put on a solid performance in New York and made it into the three-boat final race alongside New Zealand and Canada. All three teams crossed the start line in brilliant timing and were neck and neck as they raced towards the first mark with the Statue of Liberty in the backdrop. The Kiwis managed to take the lead and maintain this for the race – sealing the deal on their fifth win of Season 4.
It got off to a great start in New York for Scott, with him steering the team to victory in the first race of the event on Saturday. On Sunday, Emirates GBR started off strong once again and were leading for most of the first race of the day. Phil Robertson’s Canada just managed to overtake the Brits on the last leg, with Emirates GBR finishing in second. Although they didn’t get the win in New York, the British crew showed their skills in some challenging conditions on the Hudson River, finishing the five races of the event with a result of 1-7-2-5-3.
Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills said the team was “super happy” to make it in to the New York Final.
“It’s been amazing to sail in such an iconic venue with the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty surrounding the racecourse,” Mills said.
“It was great to come to this event off the back of a win in Halifax and we’re super happy with another podium result. We are looking forward to racing in San Francisco next month, which is another iconic venue. As a team we are just focusing on going out there, putting on a good performance and ending the season on a high.”
Emirates GBR Driver Giles Scott said: “It’s been a good weekend for the team here in New York, we’re obviously frustrated we didn’t get the win but to make it into the final is always a goal for SailGP events. Sailing in New York has been amazing, acing with the backdrop of Manhattan and the Statue of Liberty is unbelievable, so we’re looking forward to coming back next season.”
SailGP returns on 13-14 July for the Grand Final in San Francisco, where teams will be battling it out to be crowned Season 4 champions and claim the $2m prize money.
There will be a highlights show on ITV4 on Saturday 29 June at 08:25