New Zealand SailGP Team helmed by interim driver Nathan Outteridge in action on Sydney Harbour, 2024 Photo: PHOTOSPORT
A premature start didn't help New Zealand's cause as they finished third in Sail GP Sydney to remain second in the overall standings.
Australia sailed away with the win - their first of the season - after going neck and neck with Denmark for most of the podium final.
The Kiwis maintain their overall second-place position in the season standings with 58 points, now eight points behind Australia in first (66 points). Denmark is third overall with 52 points.
The day began with a solid performance from the New Zealand crew, finishing second behind Germany who claimed their first-ever SailGP win. Despite a mid-fleet finish in race five, New Zealand cemented its spot in the final alongside Denmark and Australia, the frontrunners after day one.
New Zealand SailGP Team helmed by interim driver Nathan Outteridge in action on Sydney Harbour, 2024. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Eyeing a hat trick after back-to-back wins in the middle east, the final got off to a challenging start for New Zealand who, alongside Australia was penalised for an early start, allowing Denmark to lead to mark one.
New Zealand substitute driver Nathan Outteridge said: "We felt like we put ourselves in a good spot then pulled the trigger just slightly too early, not realising the Aussie were over at the time. We bore away to avoid them, then had to let the Denmark team through and it was pretty tough after that."
Denmark widened their lead from there but with Australia always close behind, with the two repeatedly overtaking one another until Australia overtook for the final time, finishing only metres ahead.
Outteridge said: "We kept fighting to find some options, but unfortunately it wasn't to be today."
Reflecting on his late call up to steer the Kiwis, Outteridge said: "It's still a good result overall for season points, and I know he [Peter Burling] will be looking forward to Christchurch in a few week's time. He'll be fired up to get back on the boat. For me - it was a pleasure to sail with the team this weekend, they're such a good group of people."
With Sydney now complete, only four weeks remain until SailGP's long-awaited return to Ōtautahi Christchurch (23-24 March).
New Zealand wing trimmer and co-CEO Blair Tuke said: "We had such an incredible event in Christchurch last year, so to know we can do it all again in a month's time is hugely exciting for the team. Lyttelton is unreal as a venue - hearing from all the different teams, it's some of the best sailing we've ever done in these F50s and we can't wait to do it all again with a bigger crowd."