Rolex SailGP Championship Event 4 Season 2025 Los Angeles

France finds their wings in Race 4, L.A.!

1 min read

In an incredible performance, the France SailGP team

—fresh off launching their brand-new F50 in Sydney—have stormed to victory in Race 4 in Los Angeles! With superstar Kylian Mbappé recently joining as an investor, momentum is clearly building for Team France.

New Zealand's Black Foils started strong, having learned the hard lesson that “nailing the start gives you a strong chance to win.” After a thrilling near-win in Race 3, Mubadala Brazil seemed to find their rhythm, pushing the Black Foils to their limits—an incredible sight to witness! However, by Gate 2, the Black Foils settled into second place, trailing the France SailGP team.

France have won, they are on the Mubadala line at the top of the photo, the Black Foils are coming to the finish line followed by Australia. Photo credit: SailGP stream
France have won, they are on the Mubadala line at the top of the photo, the Black Foils are coming to the finish line followed by Australia. Photo credit: SailGP stream

Maintaining their momentum, the Black Foils held steady through Gate 3, with the U.S. SailGP team in third behind France and New Zealand. Unfortunately, Mubadala Brazil found themselves caught in another chaotic 'dog pile' at Gate 3, losing precious time.

France was powering ahead, building a commanding lead. At this point in the race, with the Black Foils 15 seconds behind, it seemed it would take an extraordinary effort from New Zealand—or a mistake from France—for them to catch up. Meanwhile, the Australian SailGP team was closing in from behind, eager to snatch second place if the Black Foils faltered.

Spectators watch from the Grandstand as France SailGP Team helmed by Quentin Delapierre sails past on Race Day 1 of the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix held in the Port of Los Angeles, California, USA. Saturday 15 March 2025. Rolex SailGP Championship Event 4 Season 2025. Photo credit: Jed Jacobsohn for SailGP.
Spectators watch from the Grandstand as France SailGP Team helmed by Quentin Delapierre sails past on Race Day 1 of the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix held in the Port of Los Angeles, California, USA. Saturday 15 March 2025. Rolex SailGP Championship Event 4 Season 2025. Photo credit: Jed Jacobsohn for SailGP.

In the end, the France SailGP team crossed the finish line first, securing a well-earned victory. The Black Foils claimed second, narrowly ahead of Australia, with the rest of the fleet not far behind.

This race was a thrilling display of skill - made only more impressive by the very short time that France has had their boat, it arrived just in time for Sydney - and the win was not only a second, it was a good win!

France takes a well-deserved win in the 4th race of Day 1, SailGP LA 2025. Photo credit: SailGP stream
France takes a well-deserved win in the 4th race of Day 1, SailGP LA 2025. Photo credit: SailGP stream

Race 4 standings

1st: France

2nd: New Zealand Black Foils

3rd: Australia

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