The ROCKWOOL Denmark Sail Grand Prix | Copenhagen kicks off tomorrow. From the return of the Outteridge to the driving seat to a race against time to repair Spain’s damaged F50, we round up the biggest things to look out for before racing gets underway on August 19.
Will Spain’s damaged F50 be repaired in time for racing?
Racing doesn’t get underway until Friday, but there’s already been plenty of drama in Copenhagen after the Spanish team sustained significant damage to its F50 in training. SailGP’s tech team will be working around the clock to get Spain sailing again, but the team won’t be back on the water for crucial practice racing on Thursday. Will the Spanish make it to the racecourse at all this weekend? Stay tuned.
Will the Danes continue to perform on home waters?
Plymouth was a successful event for home favorites Denmark, which clinched its first podium finish after five competitive fleet races. Driver Nicolai Sehested said he’s prepared for the distractions of racing at a home event, and is determined to keep his eyes firmly fixed on the team’s performance on the water. Will the Danes rise to the occasion or crack under the pressure?
Nathan Outteridge returns to the driving seat
Former Japan driver Nathan Outteridge returned in Plymouth in an advisor role to the Swiss team. But now he’s back in the driving seat, sharing the role with Sébastien Schneiter. With light wind conditions forecasted for the weekend, will he live up to his nickname of ‘the wind whisperer’ and propel Switzerland up the leaderboard? Or will Outteridge, who hasn’t raced in an F50 since the Season 2 San Francisco Final, take time to find his rhythm with a new team?
Can New Zealand make another podium?
Plymouth heralded the long-awaited triumph of the New Zealand team. The Kiwis soared to victory against Denmark and Australia, finally ending the latter team’s five-event winning streak. Can the Kiwis continue their clearer communication and faster decision-making and make it into another Final? All eyes are on driver Pete Burling to make it happen.
SailGP’s biggest Inspire program yet
SailGP’s Inspire program will be largest yet in Copenhagen, with 10 local sailing clubs paired with the nine SailGP teams, 17 career work experience roles and 1,300 students engaged across the weekend. Additionally, 16 of the most promising young sailors from Denmark will take part in Inspire’s WASZP racing program on Lake Peblinge in the center of Denmark. It’s going to be one to remember.
