Fletcher left no doubt about the team's mindset heading into the final weekend of the SailGP season.
"The job's not done yet," he said. "We've all seen how unpredictable SailGP can be. Our goal is simple: sail clean in the fleet races and earn our way into the Grand Final. Four teams are chasing three places, and nothing is guaranteed."
Emirates GBR hold 85 points at the top of the standings, with New Zealand's Black Foils close behind on 82, Australia's BONDS Flying Roos on 80, and Spain on 76. Fletcher made clear the team intends to leave nothing on the table if they reach the Grand Final.
Burling injury adds pressure
New Zealand's campaign has been complicated by a training accident on Wednesday in which Driver Peter Burling severed a finger. The injury kept him out of Thursday's on-water session entirely, casting a shadow over the Black Foils' preparations heading into the weekend.
Emirates GBR chasing a rare double
The British squad have built their season on consistency, racking up three event wins, 11 race wins, and 29 podiums. Away from the racecourse, they have made their mark in other ways too. Earlier this week, Emirates GBR secured the Impact League title for the second consecutive season, becoming the first team to achieve the feat.
Strategist Hannah Mills spoke to what the recognition means to everyone involved.
“Winning the Impact League again feels special. Everyone in our team contributes to this, and it’s great to see that effort acknowledged. Now we want to back it up on the water.”
Cricket stars join Emirates GBR on the water
Before racing got underway, the team welcomed England cricket great Sir Jimmy Anderson and Lancashire's Kate Cross for a Sixth Sailor Experience aboard the F50. The pair joined the crew for a high-speed run on Thursday.
Anderson was still buzzing when he stepped off the water.
"I've never done anything like it. It was unbelievable."
Cross acknowledged that boats and the sea are not usually her comfort zone, but said the experience exceeded every expectation.
“It was incredible. I loved it, which says a lot considering I usually avoid anything to do with the ocean.”
The season decider starts tonight!
Racing begins on Saturday (local time), with the final three-boat Grand Final scheduled for Sunday afternoon (local time). One race, $2m, and the Season Championship are all on the line.
