Difficult start for NZSailGP on Day 1 of Season 3 in Bermuda

New Zealand SailGP Team, Spain SailGP Team and France SailGP Team, competing on Race Day 1 of Bermuda SailGP, Season 3, in Bermuda. May .2022 © Thomas Lovelock for SailGP

The New Zealand SailGP Team had a difficult start to Season 3, finishing seventh, third and eighth in the first three fleet races of the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess.

New Zealand SailGP Team Wing Trimmer Blair Tuke said, "It was a pretty disappointing day for us, it was a good build up for the team, making some big strides forwards in many areas and we came into today with confidence."

"Unfortunately today we didn't quite execute our starts and ended up back at mark one in all three races, making it difficult to catch up from there."

The start of race one proved decisive for the Great Britain SailGP Team who led from start to finish. In race two, the Kiwis made impressive gains, starting at the back of the pack to make a big comeback and finish third behind Team France in second and newcomers Canada, who took home their first win with Kiwi Driver Phil Robertson.

New Zealand SailGP Team co-helmed by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke in action on Race Day 1 of Bermuda SailGP, Season 3, in Bermuda. May 2022.. - photo © Felix Diemer/SailGP

A penalty for an early start in race three proved costly, leaving New Zealand at the back of the pack where they struggled to recover.

"We are doing a lot of things well which is really encouraging for the season ahead. The main focus for us tomorrow will be to get the boat off the start line in a good position, continue to sail the boat well around the race course and take our opportunities when they come."

"It's becoming clear that if you want to win races, you've got to execute in all areas. With heightened competition this season, the difference between first and last is definitely getting smaller."

"We've had a good debrief and tomorrow we will come out and try to get a couple of good races on the board," Tuke said.

Day 2 of the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix Bermuda presented by Hamilton Princess kicks off tomorrow at 5AM on SkySport NZ or streamed live and on demand on YouTube.