Please select your home edition
Edition
Sydney Boat Show 2025 - Apply to Exhibit

Australia focused on avoiding carnage on the race course as biggest fleet set to compete in Bermuda

by Olivia Hogan / Australia SailGP Team 14 May 2022 06:34 AEST
Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby sail closely alongside France SailGP Team helmed by Quentin Delapierre during a practice session ahead of Bermuda SailGP presented by Hamilton Princess, Season 3, in Bermuda © Thomas Lovelock for SailGP

Tom Slingsby's Australian crew will need to balance their competitive drive with protecting the flying roo from collisions, with more teams and more drama expected at the opener of SailGP Season 3 in Bermuda this weekend.

World-class athletes from nine national teams will go head-to-head on the start line at the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess, with newcomers Canada and Switzerland racing for the very first time. With more boats and more events for Season 3, SailGP has brought in tougher penalties to encourage teams to avoid contact during racing, with the safety of athletes on board and limiting damage to the F50s a top priority. Based on the nature of the contact and the severity of damage caused, teams can lose both race points and overall season points.

Tom Slingsby said: "With more boats on the race course It's going to be about staying out of trouble. Teams can ruin their entire season from the collision penalty points. If we can get through the first half of the season without too many scratches on the boat and penalty points we will be looking pretty good."

After their success in San Francisco, which saw the team crowned Champions of SailGP Season 2, the Australians are the top contenders to beat in Bermuda.

Commenting on the secret to the team's continued success, Slingsby said: "For me it's keeping a solid team together for so long. You see with these teams that they have been changing their crew line up alot to try to get the right fit. We found the right fit straight away."

Even with two SailGP Championships under his belt, Slingsby still continues to analyse the other team's performance.

Tom Slingsby said: "I was really surprised with Canada and Switzerland and how good their boat handling and speed was. I'd say Jimmy's USA Team and Ben's British Team are going to be the top ones we will be watching during racing"

The Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess will air live on Fox Sports and on Kayo. Kayo are offering fans free access to both the live and replay racing, via its Kayo Freebies offer.

Race Times:

  • Race Day 1: 03:00 AEST 15 May
  • Race Day 2: 03:00 AEST 16 May

Related Articles

Controversial Penalty Ends Australia's Podium Hope
The BONDS Flying Roos' hopes of a podium finish came undone in dramatic fashion The BONDS Flying Roos' hopes of a podium finish at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix came undone in dramatic fashion on Sunday, with a contentious umpire call combining to derail their Finals campaign. Posted on 20 Jul
Slingsby's crew in Top 3
Despite 'Sword and Shield' conditions on the Solent The Bonds Flying Roos remain firmly in the hunt for a place in tomorrow's winner-takes-all Final at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, finishing the opening day in third place. Posted on 19 Jul
Aussies hunt 'Ashes on Water' win
The BONDS Flying Roos are looking to bounce back with a vengeance in Portsmouth Fresh off a bruising weekend in New York, the BONDS Flying Roos are looking to bounce back with a vengeance as they take on long time rivals Great Britain in their home waters at the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, held in Portsmouth. Posted on 18 Jul
Aussies shine in New York with two wins
But Spain steals the show to win the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix The BONDS Flying Roos delivered glimpses of greatness on day two of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, securing their second fleet race win of the event and showcasing their championship credentials on their debut under new Hollywood co-ownership. Posted on 9 Jun
BONDS Flying Roos at Mubadala NY Sail Grand Prix
The Australians ended the day with a mixed result of 5-1-10 standings. Unpredictable weather proved challenging for all 12 teams on the opening day of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, turning the Hudson River into a battleground. Posted on 8 Jun
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds Take the Helm
As Co-Owners of the 'BONDS Flying Roos' Australia's SailGP Team Today Australia's three-time SailGP champions have unveiled a new identity as well as two new co-owners - Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds - who join Driver and CEO Tom Slingsby in leading the freshly rebranded BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team. Posted on 5 Jun
Aussies' final hopes end in dramatic wing collapse
On day two at the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix Tom Slingsby's Australia Team's hopes of making the Podium Final came crashing down on day two at the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix, as a catastrophic wing failure forced them out of contention. Posted on 24 Mar
Aussies set for winner-takes-all final in San Fran
After opening day on the Bay in the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix The opening day of the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix saw drama and close calls unfold on the Bay as trademark tactics from Tom Slingsby's Australia crew earned them an impressive second-place finish after the first day of racing. Posted on 23 Mar
Disappointing day for Slingsby's Australia
As Canada clinches the win in Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix The Australia SailGP Team delivered a gutsy performance on day two at the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, narrowly sneaking into the Podium Final but ultimately falling short of the win. Posted on 17 Mar
Aussies hunt Great Britain
As USA double-header kicks off in Los Angeles Anticipation is at an all-time high as Australia gears up for a fierce battle against 11 rival nations at the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix marking the first-ever U.S. double-header, which commences on Saturday. Posted on 15 Mar
Barton Marine Pipe GlandsX-Yachts X4.3Sydney Boat Show 2025 - Apply to Exhibit