SAILGP SEASON 3 GRAND FINAL | SAN FRANCISCO NATION VS NATION

Nine national teams have contested the third season of SailGP, and as the boats are identical and constantly upgraded with the same set-up, it is the skill of the world-class athletes on board and the decisions they make that decide races, not the technology. The boats are powered by gigantic, vertical wing sails that can be configured in three different heights, with the common setting being the 24-meter wingsail.

The biggest wing size (29 meter) helps produce extra power in light airs, while a smaller configuration (18 meter) allows for flat-out racing in stronger winds, ensuring racing can take place across a much wider spectrum of wind conditions. In lighter winds, weight also becomes a telling factor.

The addition of two new teams this season, Canada and Switzerland has meant the water is crowded and even the slightest mistake is punished.

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