Australia wrapped up the Auckland regatta final with a measured display of racing in building breeze and rain on the Waitematā Harbour, coming out on top in a three-boat shootout that was tight from the very first mark.
The deciding race got underway at 12:44pm beneath heavy skies, with only three teams lining up: Australia, Emirates GBR, and Spain. All three are former event winners, and the racing reflected that pedigree, with margins staying razor-thin throughout.
Spain moved into the lead at Mark 1, edging ahead with Australia just three seconds in arrears and Emirates GBR a further five seconds back. The three boats were separated by mere seconds at Mark 2 as the fleet stayed locked together through the early legs.
The race turned at Mark 3. Australia came around just half a second off the front before making a decisive transition to take the lead. A protest involving Australia was assessed on the water during this phase, though the umpires determined no penalty was warranted and the race ran on without interruption.
Once out front, Australia gave nothing away. Spain kept the pressure on through the closing legs but could never quite secure an overlap. Emirates GBR made a late gamble, splitting from the pack in the final stages to hunt for stronger breeze, but the manoeuvre did not produce the gains needed to change the outcome.
Australia rounded the final mark ahead of the fleet and crossed the finish line at 12:50:52, taking both the race win and the regatta title. Emirates GBR came home 14.1 seconds adrift, with Spain 16.1 seconds behind.
In squally conditions on a compact course, Australia put in a composed and disciplined performance to close out the Auckland event.
