SailGP, the tricolor shines on Day 1 in Saint-Tropez: first win!

What a memorable day in Saint-Tropez, the pearl of the French Riviera: Team Red Bull Italy SailGP finally took its first victory of the season, in the third race of the day, making the Adrenaline Lounge explode with joy. And there I was, just a few meters from the boats, watching trajectories, speeds and maneuvers, experiencing live the adrenaline rush of one of the most spectacular days seen so far in this championship.

Unpredictable wind on the French coast

After yesterday’s forced day-off due to winds that were too strong, Saint-Tropez woke up today to a perfect Mistral for the show: 15-25 knots taut, barely rippling sea and a light that lit up the bay with silver reflections.

Four “full power” trials starting at 12:30 p.m. and immediately close battle. The real challenge was taming an unpredictable wind, which near the coast changed direction and intensity in seconds. I saw boats entering the stern sides at over 40 knots, where the slightest gust could turn into a somersault. Ruggero Tita confirmed this to me, “Under gusts you have to anticipate every movement with pinpoint accuracy, even a gybe becomes an exercise in absolute timing.”

The course today was a lottery for everyone: the aft gate really did look like the entrance to the “Pillars of Hercules” of foiling, and the running was a dance of steady nerves and a light hand on the rudder. The Australians immediately set the seal on the first race with a textbook rolling start and impressive speed. In thelast, the German team showed remarkable pace and clean conduct that rewarded them.

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Winning a world championship in your own land is a crazy thrill. Right Magdalena?

Team Italy tames the Mistral in the third round

For the Italians, the start was uphill: a gybing in the warm-up temporarily damaged the hydraulic system and forced them to skip the first run. But in the third, there was magic: starting in sixth position, controlling the gusts like a well-directed orchestra, choosing the right edge and surgical overtaking to the finish line. A victory that lit up the bay and made the tricolor wave with pride.

Also doing well were the Brazilians, rookies like the Italians in this 2025 edition, capable of very good speeds in complicated conditions, and constant the Spanish team “Los Gallos,” which remains in full race for the ranking. At the end of the first day it is the British who lead the provisional ranking ahead of New Zealanders and Spaniards. Germans fourth. Red Bull Italy SailGP Team finishes ninth, weighed down by the early retirement and a tough last run, but the feeling here in Saint-Tropez is that it has found its stride. We wait until tomorrow to see who will go on to win the Saint-Tropez stage.

Rebecca Geiger