Joseph Saunders

Team Emirates GBR finished at the bottom of Group B at the Portsmouth SailGP event after placing fifth and sixth in its fleet races, missing the final by eight points. Helmsman Dylan Fletcher attributed the result to poor starts, being boxed in, and a costly mistake at the first mark that caused the boat to fall off its foils. Spain won its second consecutive event, while Canada and Spain advanced from the group; Fletcher said improved starts and stronger positioning offered limited positives. He also argued that SailGP’s split-fleet format should become fairer over time.

Team Emirates GBR finished fifth and sixth in the Portsmouth fleet races, missing the SailGP final and dropping out of the season’s top three. Spain’s Los Gallos won the final after recovering from a last-place start, while Artemis and NorthStar also reached the podium. The result leaves the reigning world champions needing a stronger remainder of the season to qualify for November’s three-team Grand Final in the United Arab Emirates. SailGP will next race in Sassnitz, Germany, at the end of August.

Dylan Fletcher guided Emirates GBR to victory in the final race of the day at the SailGP event in Portsmouth after disappointing fourth- and sixth-place finishes. The result left the reigning champions fourth in Group B, four points from the qualification positions for Sunday’s final, while Artemis topped the group and the US team also finished ahead of them. Fletcher attributed the comeback to responding to home-event pressure and improving race execution, while identifying boat handling and starts as areas for improvement.