SailGP Dubai: Aussies second, crew wear weird Tom Slingsby socks, James Spithill retires from series

Most athletes honour or pay tribute to someone by wearing a trinket or writing a name on the back of their hands but not this SailGP crew. They came up with something quite weird.

Socks with skipper Tom Slingsby's face on them.

When an athlete wants to be inspired by someone or honour them they usually wear a trinket or write their name or a quote on a piece of tape on their arm or equipment.

But not the Australian SailGP team.

They did something much weirder.

With normal skipper Tom Slingsby subbed out as the birth of his first child looms, his crew came up with the novel idea of wearing bright socks with his face on them at the Dubai SailGP where America's Cup legend James Spithill was standing in for his old mate.

But it seems to have worked.

The Flying Roo team lead after the first day and then finished the Dubai event in second place but with the overall series lead.

Socks with Tom Slingsby's face on them being worn by the team in Dubai.

“I told Tom I think we can credit our results to the lucky socks we all wore during racing with his face on it,’’ said Spithill, from Newport on Sydney’s northern beaches, who had jokingly requested Slingsby name his first son after him for stepping in to steer in Dubai.

“I mean who wouldn’t want to wear a pair of socks with a red head on them.”

The Australia SailGP team ready to rock in Dubai. Picture: Felix Diemer/SailGP.

Spithill, who had just days to click with his team after leaving the US crew he has guided for years, put in a masterclass in the light conditions on day one which saw the F50s crewed by just four, not their usual six sailors.

Spithill and the Aussies recorded a 3-1-3 to enter the final day of racing in pole position for Australia's first win of the season.

But it was the New Zealanders who took the Dubai leg win from the Aussies after a late minute penalty denied Canada the victory.

Spain SailGP Team helmed by Diego Botin leads Australia SailGP Team helmed by interim driver Jimmy Spithill on day one. Picture: Kieran Cleeves SailGP.

“I gave myself a goal coming into the team to get a consistent result, not get penalty boats or damage the boat, so from that point of view I’m really satisfied but of course I would have loved to have gotten them a win here in Dubai,” said Spithill, who revealed he will now retire from SailGP racing to focus on running a new Italian team next season.

“It’s time for me to let fresh young blood into the competition, with the new Italian team, where I’ll take the role of CEO. And, what a way to go out with the Aussies.

“It’s been one hell of a ride and I’m going to miss the battles and the competition. It’s a full circle moment for me as it’s been over 20 years since I raced for Australia so it feels fitting that I end my SailGP athlete journey on board with the Aussies.’’

Read more from Amanda Lulham HERE.