Emirates Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker left it late but still snatched victory in the Turkish metropolis with a win in the last race of the regatta. Oman’s The Wave Muscat had to settle for second place, ahead of Alinghi (SUI). Next stop is the French Riviera and Nice in October.

America´s Cup Skipper Dean Barker (ETNZ) clinched victory ahead of Leigh McMillan (The Wave Muscat) in a thrilling finale with the win sealed on the final race of the regatta.

“This was a sensational comeback for us given we were in last place on three weeks ago in Cardiff. Everything is possible in this Series and this time luck was on our side. We were very solid in our sailing and overall it was a tough week with fantastic sailing conditions,” said Barker.

Two-time America’s Cup winners Alinghi reclaimed top spot in the overall standings thanks to their third place in Istanbul. The Swiss syndicate beat The Wave Muscat in the final race of the regatta, helping ETNZ to an overall win in Istanbul and taking back top spot after six of the eight Acts of the Series.

The remaining nine teams were all but out of the podium spots going into the final day on Sunday. Oman Air finished in fourth place, off the podium but still ahead of SAP, America´s Cup challengers Groupama, J.P. Morgan Ben Ainslie as well as Red Bull Sailing.

The teams will be gathering in Nice for their October 2-5 race before the world’s best-staffed sailing series ends in spectacular fashion in front of the Sydney Opera House in December in Australia.

Final standings Istanbul: 1. ETNZ 210 points, 2. The Wave Muscat 204, 3. Alinghi 188, 4. Oman Air 169, 5. SAP 154, 6. Groupama 148, 7. J.P.Morgan Ben Ainslie 143, 8. Red Bull Sailing 142, 9. Realteam 135, 10. GAC Pindar 130, 11. Gazprom 126, 12. Team Turx 85

Overall standings after 6 Acts: 1. Alinghi, 2. The Wave Muscat, 3. ETZN, 4. Realteam by Realstone, 5. J.P. Morgan BAR, 6. SAP Extreme Sailing Team, 7. Oman Air, 8. Gazprom Team Russia, 9. Red Bull Sailing Team, 10. Groupama sailing team, 11. GAC Pindar

Photo Credits Samo Vidi, Mark Lloyd/Red Bull