Taranto, Italy – The United States team, led by sailing legend Jimmy Spithill, showcased their resilience and determination as they secured a bronze medal podium finish at the SailGP stop in Taranto, Italy. Although challenging weather conditions disrupted the final race, preventing the three top teams from completing it, the American crew managed to seize the opportunity and claim their best result since Season 3.
After an eventful Race Day One, the United States team found themselves in sixth place with 15 points. However, halfway through the final race, disaster struck as a major collision occurred, resulting in an injury to their flight controller, Hans Henken. Despite the setback, the team remained undeterred.
Race Day Two brought a stark contrast to the fast and windy conditions of the previous day. Light winds made it challenging for the teams to gain the necessary speed to lift their boats onto the foils, creating a spectacle for the fans in attendance.
Spithill’s United States team demonstrated exceptional resolve, with Taylor Canfield stepping in for the injured Henken. Canfield’s contribution was crucial as he helped the team secure a third-place finish and later clinch a first-place finish in the remaining fleet races. This remarkable comeback propelled the United States into third place overall.
The final race of the competition was called off due to the persistently light winds, with all three leading teams failing to reach the third gate within the 16-minute time limit. Winds had dropped to a mere 7 km/h, further highlighting the challenging conditions faced by the sailors.
Emirates GBR emerged victorious for the second consecutive event, solidifying their position as a dominant force in SailGP. Australia claimed second place, while France, Canada, and Spain finished in fourth, fifth, and sixth place, respectively, in the overall standings.
With their bronze medal in Taranto, the United States team now sits sixth overall in Season 4 with 22 points, trailing behind the series leader, Australia, who has amassed 35 points. The next challenge for the teams will be the Spain Sail Grand Prix | Andalucía Cádiz, scheduled for October 14-15, where they will have another opportunity to showcase their skills and continue their pursuit of SailGP glory.
Despite the adversity they faced in Taranto, Jimmy Spithill’s United States team has demonstrated their resilience and competitive spirit, leaving fans eagerly anticipating their future performances in the SailGP series.
