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Emirates GBR narrowly misses victory at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, finishing just three seconds behind Australia's BONDS Flying Roos in a nail-biting final. This showdown marks one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2026 season, highlighting the fierce competition on the Hudson River.
What follows puts the whole situation in context, revealing the intense battle and strategic decisions that defined this race. As both teams rounded the last mark, they exchanged protests over room space, but the umpires deemed no penalties necessary. Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher MBE expresses pride in their performance despite the disappointment, noting, "It's a bittersweet feeling to not be standing on top of the podium."
The team initially shines with a race win after a strong start, commanding a 150m lead. However, their second race sees them starting from the back, resulting in a sixth-place finish. The final fleet race is marred by a major collision involving Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil, leading to disqualifications and penalties. Strategist Hannah Mills OBE describes the race conditions as "hectic" and "super challenging."
With Ewan McGregor joining the team for a unique experience, Emirates GBR is determined to build on this performance as they look ahead to the next challenge.
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