Australia’s SailGP skipper Tom Slingsby has referred to as for a change to SailGP’s winner-takes-all grand closing, declaring “groups are going to get burnt” by the format.
Workforce Australia gained the primary two seasons of SailGP and is on observe for a 3rd straight championship because the third version of the worldwide crusing competitors dubbed ‘F1 on water’ reaches its climax.
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However profitable isn’t getting any simpler for the all-conquering Aussies, who’ve a nine-point lead over New Zealand with three occasions remaining this season.
Australia and New Zealand have gained three occasions every to date in season three and seem on a collision course to face off within the season finale, together with a 3rd staff — most certainly the ultra-consistent Nice Britain.
The highest three groups on the general pointscore will race one another one race in San Francisco in Could for USD$1million (A$1.4m) in prize cash.
The winner-takes-all format means a staff can lead the pointscore the complete season however stroll away with nothing in the event that they don’t win the grand closing.
Australia has thrived within the excessive strain state of affairs in earlier seasons however Slingsby desires the SailGP championship to be selected mixture on the finish of the season, just like soccer’s English Premier League.
“The million greenback race, it’s a one-off race,” Slingsby advised information.com.au.
“We’d love for it to be mixture factors all through the season. We’ve obtained a pleasant lead within the total factors with a number of occasions to go.
“We’d love if it was achieved on season factors after San Francisco. However the way in which it really works is the highest three go into that closing million greenback race shootout and anybody can win.
“Season one and two, we gained the pointscore heading into the ultimate race of the season after which we ended up profitable the million greenback race. So it felt form of justified. We’re simply hoping to do the identical factor once more.
“For positive, groups are going to get burnt by this sooner or later. We knew the foundations after we signed up.
“You may win the entire season lengthy and lose the million greenback race and stroll away with nothing. There’s zero {dollars} for second place on this situation.
“However all of us signed understanding the foundations and we all know that every one by way of the 12 months within the lead up, it’s simply preparing, setting your self up for that closing full strain second in San Francisco.”
Requested if it makes his job as Australia’s driver extra anxious given the complete season comes all the way down to a single race, Slingsby mentioned: “It does somewhat, for positive. However we’ve carried out properly in that situation.
“It’s simply the way in which it’s in sport. Somebody’s going to get off the road properly and somebody’s not going to.
“I’ve simply obtained to do every part I can in my energy and everybody in our staff individually need to do their job properly and we’re started working collectively as a staff properly.
“If we do, we’re assured that we’re going to be fairly laborious to beat in that closing race. It’s thrilling but it surely’s additionally a bit nerve-racking.”
Slingsby’s argument is an indication of how extremely he charges the Kiwis and Nice Britain, led by four-time Olympic gold medallist Ben Ainslie.
Australia has developed a fierce rivalry with Peter Burling’s New Zealand, who haven’t been afraid to take it as much as the Aussies with aggressive ways on the water.
“For positive, the Kiwis are the strongest staff we’re up in opposition to in the mean time,” Slingsby mentioned.
“However GBR and Ben Ainslie are somebody you may by no means rely out, particularly if he makes that closing million greenback race.
“He’s gained some large occasions in his profession, numerous gold medals below lot of strain. So one million greenback race is correct up his alley. A lot of strain, a number of hype on one single race. I believe he’ll be fairly sturdy in that situation.
“For me, the Kiwis and Ben Ainslie are those I’d look ahead to probably the most. Then we have got the French staff and Denmark lurking within the total pointscore. They might each simply make that closing race too, however I’d say they’re extra outdoors possibilities.”
SailGP season three continues in Sydney this weekend, with racing on Saturday and Sunday afternoon on Sydney Harbour.
SailGP season 3 leaderboard
Australia – 68 factors
New Zealand – 59 factors
Nice Britain – 54 factors
France – 53 factors
Denmark – 51 factors
Canada – 45 factors
United States – 43 factors
Spain – 24 factors
Switzerland – 23 factors
