Steep learning curve for China's crew

Disappointing result in San Francisco seen as a valuable learning experience

SailGP made its US debut in San Francisco Bay on Sunday, with China learning some valuable lessons in the fledgling global league.

After struggling in training and enduring a disappointing day of racing on Saturday, Australia, helmed by Olympic gold medalist Tom Slingsby, defeated the Japanese team in Sunday's final match race to move a step nearer the $1 million first prize.

At a nearby marina, thousands of fans witnessed speeds of over 45 knots (83 kilometers per hour) in the world's fastest race boats－foiling 50-foot catamarans known as F50s.

"We're stoked; it's no secret that we struggled all week. Nathan Outteridge and his (Japan) team were better, but we kept saying we are going to come back. We left it late, but we did come back and won the match race and then the event," said Slingsby.

With two straight wins following an opening victory in Sydney, the Australian team leads the overall standings ahead of Japan.

Britain is third, with the United States fourth, France fifth and China, helmed by New Zealander Phil Robertson, bringing up the rear in sixth.

Despite a disappointing performance on Sunday, Chinese team grinder Leo Liu Ming was content to take the positives from the experience.

"Actually we did better today in terms of overall speed than yesterday, but we were still a little bit slow at the start, plus the wingsail buckled yesterday so our final scores are not satisfying," Liu said.

"We had a great challenge here in San Francisco because it was much windier at sea than in Australia, and we tried to adjust a bit for a good position. I think we were in good shape today and learned a lot from the other teams.

"We are not very happy about our final results, but we've gained much experience from the race, such as the good cooperation between our crew. I'm confident we can do better in the next stop of the championship."

Skipper Robertson pointed to his Chinese crew's lack of experience at this level.

"We're obviously pretty disappointed about how we finished and ended up, but we're a young and pretty inexperienced team and we have a lot to learn," he told Xinhua.

"We are not satisfied about our overall result and we have to hope to be a little bit more competitive. So it's a good thing... it's really motivating."

The next event in the series takes place in New York, June 21-22, and China team CEO Bruno Dubois said: "We have a lack of experience. Those two teams have done five years on those boats. We need more work, more time on the water, more learning time.

"When I look at the long-term objective and what we have to achieve, it's not that big of a disappointment. We go step by step. I have the feeling that when you go forward, there's always small steps backwards first.

"I think it will be fine for us for the event in New York."

SailGP CEO Russell Coutts was thrilled with how the San Francisco round played out.

"San Francisco was everything we hoped it would be. It provided a spectacular backdrop, a fantastic challenge for our world-class athletes and an exciting spectacle for the fans," said Coutts.

"All of the teams have really stepped up a gear and it shows what effect the open access to data is having on the teams' performances.

"It's certainly going to make the next event in New York even more exciting."