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SailGP Media Conference San Francisco: All set ahead of the Big Dance

by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 12 Jul 2024 10:35 PDT
Australia leads Denmark and New Zealand - Practice Race - SailGP Season 4 Grand Final - San Francisco - July 2024 © Ricardo Pinto/SailGP

The Media Conference ahead of the SailGP San Francisco was a subdued affair, without a lot of the banter between the teams that has been a feature of recent events..

Instead of the teams taking shots at each other like a heavyweight box weigh-in, the revelation was how much money is on the table, and indeed how much some teams - particularly the Australians have won to date.

Tom Slingsby and friends have pocketed $5million over the four seasons sailed so far, with this weekend yet to come. The Kiwis have pocketed $1.1million to date - missing out on the Big Prize last year, and that could grow to $3.5million if they hold form in San Francisco SailGP. All up $7million is on the table for Season 4.

While the top three to contest the Grand Final, looks to be confirmed around New Zealand, Australia and Spain - there is the possibility of a collision or capsize playing a spooler role on the leaderboard - opening the way for France or Canada to force their way into the winner takes all Grand Final.

As expected in San Francisco - there looks to be plenty of breeze on offer at the weekend. Racing is scheduled at start at 2.30pm local time.

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