New Zealand did the double in the UAE to secure back-to-back victories after winning the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Mastering the light conditions and its nemesis - the 29 metre wing - New Zealand beat Spain and the United States in front of a sold out crowd. In a change of favour, overall leaders Australia missed out on its first event final of the season to finish seventh.
The new-look US team - with Taylor Canfield in the driving seat - sailed well to secure a fourth and third, to make it into the first final since the team was sold, with the final spot secured by the Burling's Kiwi's.
In the three-boat event final, the Kiwis had the strongest start, crossing the line first and leading round the first mark from Spain and the United States.
The results from this weekend closes the gap between the Aussies - who still remain first overall on the leaderboard - ahead of New Zealand who have bumped their way up to second place - with only a six point gap between first and second. The Kiwis now record the most event wins across Season 4. A podium result for the US, sees them move up the leaderboard from fifth to third.
The SailGP fleet packs up and leaves the UAE and arrives at its first stop in APAC for the eighth event of Season 4 in the heart of Sydney, Australia. Fans don't have long to wait for their next fix of SailGP as the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney takes place on February 24-25.
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Presented By Abu Dhabi Sports Council // Final Standings //
1 // New Zealand 10 points
2 // Spain 9 points
3 // United States 8 points
4 // France 7 points
5 // Germany 6 points
6 // Canada 5 points
7 // Australia 4 points
8 // Emirates GBR 3 points
9 // ROCKWOOL Denmark 2 points
10 // Switzerland 1 point
