How Daryl Braithwaite boosted Aussies’ SailGP title bid

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How Daryl Braithwaite boosted Aussies’ SailGP title bid

Daryl Braithwaite will prove a surprise source of inspiration for Australia as they hope to confirm a place in the SailGP grand final on San Francisco Bay.

Sitting second on the season rankings, Australia are set to qualify for the $US2million ($AU3million) grand final on Sunday (Monday AEST) if they finish seventh or higher on the event leaderboard at the conclusion of five fleet races.

Australia can largely thank a strong start to the calendar for their probable grand final berth; Tom Slingsby’s crew made the podium at seven of the season’s first eight events and won their home event on Sydney Harbour in February.

But since then, a ****** in Christchurch, a capsize in Canada and mechanical issues in Bermuda have all worked against Australia.

The tumultuous campaign has come after Australia dominated the first three seasons of the globetrotting sailing league, where teams race 50-foot catamarans that can reach close to 100km/h.

On the road to three consecutive grand final victories, ‘The Horses’ sung by Daryl Braithwaite has become the *********** crew’s victory song of choice.

The six-member crew is so fond of the tune that team staff contacted Braithwaite in the hopes he could record a video message to inspire the boat ahead of the most important regatta of the season this weekend.

Braithwaite, by chance, had taken an interest in the SailGP during the New York event earlier this season and was keen to pitch in.

The singer’s well-wishes were included in a montage of messages from family members, sporting greats and entertainers screened to the crew ahead of Saturday’s first day of racing on San Francisco Bay.

“Just wanting to say hello to all the *********** SailGP sailors because you’ve got your grand final this weekend,” Braithwaite said in the video.

“My ****, let’s hope you win so you can sing ‘The Horses’. But sincerely, all the very best, and I wish you good luck.”

Golf great Greg Norman, former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper, sailing prodigy Jessica Watson and John Bertrand – who skippered Australia II to the 1983 America’s Cup – were among others to urge the Australians on.

Team members shed tears watching the video from their San Francisco base, only hours before taking the water.

As for Braithwaite, the singer has told team staff he is eager to attend the next iteration of the Sydney SailGP, set to take place on Sydney Harbour in early February.

Privately, Australia are hopeful he may lead the crew in yet another rendition of his iconic song ‘The Horses’. At least, that’s the way (they hope) it’s gonna be.

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