Australia Rule the Great Sound as Roos Claim Bermuda Title
IslandStats.com
Australia have once again proven why they are the benchmark of foiling catamaran racing, as Tom Slingsby’s crew navigated a high-stakes Sunday to be crowned champions of the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix.
Following a chaotic opening day on the Great Sound, the fleet was greeted for the final session by bright, sunny skies and a shifting breeze that demanded tactical perfection. While Australia and Spain entered the day tied for the lead, a resurgent chasing pack ensured the path to the winner-take-all final was anything but straightforward.
The opening encounter in Race Five saw Diego Botin and Los Gallos pick up exactly where they had left off on Saturday. The Spanish team delivered a clinical performance to take the win, narrowly fending off a persistent challenge from Tom Slingsby. Crucially, the newly repaired Artemis boat helmed by Nathan Outteridge showed immediate pace to finish fourth behind France's Quentin Delapierre, signaling a successful return to competitiveness after their earlier mechanical heartbreaks.
The momentum shifted in Race Six as Emirates GBR’s Dylan Fletcher reminded the fleet of his championship pedigree. After a mixed opening day, the British boat found its groove in the sunshine, leading from the front to take a vital victory. Quentin Delapierre continued a strong Sunday surge for France with a second-place finish, keeping the podium race wide open, while Slingsby settled for third ahead of Outteridge and Switzerland’s Sebastien Schneiter.
The final fleet race of the series belonged to Giles Scott and the NorthStar Canada crew. In a tactical battle through the lighter Sunday air, Scott navigated the shifts brilliantly to claim a popular win. France again finished second, a result that cemented their place in the afternoon conversation, while Slingsby’s consistent third-place finish ensured Australia’s progression to the afternoon's main event. Dylan Fletcher and Phil Robertson rounded out the top five for Great Britain and Italy respectively.
The seven-race series concluded with the top three boats in the overall standings qualifying for the high-pressure Grand Final. Under the gaze of a packed shoreline, the BONDS Flying Roos showcased their experience when it mattered most. Tom Slingsby executed a flawless start, seizing the preferred inside line at the first mark and never looking back. Despite intense pressure from Diego Botin and Giles Scott, the Australians crossed the line to secure another SailGP event title, extending their lead at the top of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. The league now looks ahead to New York, with the rest of the fleet left wondering how to halt the seemingly invincible Australian juggernaut.
