SailGP inside mail: Aussie chill-out works, Tom Slingsby happy with San Francisco day 1 results

It might not be the most orthodox way to deal with a sailing issue but a chill out has worked wonders for the SailGP Australian crew in San Francisco. Day 1 winners, grinners and drama

It might not be the most orthodox way to deal with a sailing issue on the water but a chill out off it has worked wonders for the SailGP Australian crew in San Francisco.

With Denmark watching on after a capsize a week ago damaged their boat so extensively it could not be repaired in time, skipper Tom Slingsby and his crew flew under the radar but into second place overall after the opening four races in less wind than predicted.

Expecting big winds, more moderate conditions instead blew the inform Canadians, with two wins a second and fifth, into the overall lead heading into the final day.

Australia is second overall with a 2-3-3-4 scorecard and ahead of Spain 3-6-1-5.

Australia is also second overall in the series after the LA SailGP regatta last weekend.

“I’m happy,’’ said Spithill who a week ago was left to lament what might have been after a series of poor starts cost the Australian a win in LA.

“We know Canada had a great day but that’s fine.’’

Australia has tasted great success on the waters of San Francisco in the past. Picture: Simon Bruty/SailGP.

In the wake of the disappointment a week ago, Slingsby took his team off for some crew bonding time.

The chill out appeared to be working a treat on day one of the San Fran event although he said there is still improvement to be made.

“We are still making mistakes. I didn't start great but they were terrible,’’ Slingsby said.

“We are still making mistakes but when we are lean we are showing what we can do. There was one la there where we pulled seven boats so that shows what we can do.

More from AMANDA LULHAM HERE