Not only world champions at football, but now for the second event running, the Spanish team Los Gallos win a leg of the SailGP World Championship, this time in stunning Portsmouth on the south coast of England. Sun, breeze and another big crowd saw some great racing over two days, the split fleet proving popular and successful as the crews displayed exceptional sailing craft at hyper speed. Well, hyper to me anyway as the boats flew across right in front of the fans onshore. No question in my mind that SailGP provides a pulsating spectacle, especially when there is plenty of wind. The crowds love it whether they are in the tall grandstands or in the ever-increasing hospitality areas, which seemed to go on forever along the seafront and around the corner. Plenty of food and drink included in the price of £250 for the Vela Beach Club, which compared to F1 and many Premier League hospitality seems decent value.
Although seating was taken up by corporates and not on the promised first-come, first-served basis proved a challenge, as was the entertainment of everlasting thumping music and the synchronising of the live screens with TV coverage. Not that many enjoying the sparkling seas and sunshine seemed to mind. It was also strange that the final prizegiving presentation didn’t find it’s way onto the screens in this area so we missed the crowning Spanish achievement. A shame but overall, congratulations to all involved, especially the friendly and professional helpers, which included lines of them waving flags and saying goodbye to us as we left in droves in glorious sunshine.
For the local fans the biggest disappointment was the performance of the British team who continue their poor run of form compared with the early season. I just hope that the legal problems with AC team aren’t affecting them. I hope not, as there is a lot of talent in the team. This contrasts with the performance of many of the other teams who are upping their game as the season proceeds. For example at the first regatta the Oracle Perth GP the first three were Emirates GBR, Bonds Flying Roos and DS Automobiles compared to Portsmouth where Los Gallos, Artemis and NorthStar were the top three.
A good sign from my perspective as true competition is so important spreading interest around the world and improving the standard of racing.
Finally, there are three more events to go in Europe before the championship is scheduled for Dubai and Abu Dhabi at the end of November. Let’s hope that happens, but given the continued unrest in the Middle East that must be questionable. However, the F1 events for Qatar and Abu Dhabi are still in their schedule, so fingers crossed as these regattas keep on delivering
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