Dylan Fletcher was determined to earn points and climb the leaderboard after his first victory as Britain's SailGP Skipper in Sydney at last weekend. He also wanted to show he could 'fly solo'.

Ben Ainslie who was the British America's Cup champion but lost to New Zealand last year in Barcelona, chose Fletcher first as his co-helmsman for this event. He then gave him control of SailGP F50.

"As fantastic as last year's race was, it was always on the opposite side of the boat with Ben Ainslie. This is me... steering on my own. Fletcher stated that it was important to mark this in the sand after his victory in Australia.

The SailGP winner narrowly beat Giles Scott (who moved from Canada to captain the team after Ainslie chose his former teammate for the America's Cup) and local favourites Australia, led by Tom Slingsby.

"I'm here to try to win SailGP, and to be the best possible position for the America's Cup. I believe that I can do it. I am confident that I can lead the British team to victory at the America's Cup. Fletcher said that there was no better way to prove this than by winning the SailGP with a single-design catamaran.

The 36-year old added that, while the uncertainty surrounding Britain's future America's Cup campaign sparked a split between Jim Ratcliffe billionaire's INEOS & Ainslie Athena Racing "was probably not the best scenario", SailGP presented an opportunity for him to prove he can perform against the sport’s best.

Fletcher described the America's Cup rift as "distracting, but once you're out on the racecourse these things are a very long way off." The rift has raised many questions about Britain's America's Cup challenge and event.

POETIC JUSTICE

Ainslie is no longer on the deck with his team but Fletcher says that the most successful Olympic sailing sailor, Ainslie, is still very hands-on. He offers long-range advice, in-person briefings and long-range support on their high-tech, foiling F50 catamaran.

Fletcher, 48, said that he would call Ben to see what he thought. "He has so much experience in SailGP... It's great to get him involved and lean on him," Fletcher added.

Hannah Mills is an Olympic sailor who, alongside Fletcher, is gaining SailGP Experience in the key Strategist role in order to achieve her ambitions of becoming a "driver" as she advocates equal representation for women.

Fletcher stated that they were aiming to win more games. "I feel like Hannah and I have a great communication style. It seems to work well. Fingers crossed, we can build on this."

Fletcher and his crew have a lot to learn about the SailGP 13-event season. The boats are equipped with faster foils, so they won't be basking in victory for very long.

"I know we have a long road to travel to get to that point where we consistently deliver in the final," said he, adding that he was "very disappointed" that he hadn't topped the podium at the first two events this season.

Fletcher will receive a new foiling dinghy, the 'Moth,' between now and the races in the United States. These races are scheduled for March. SailGP's simulation, as well as this new dinghy, will help Fletcher to improve his "racing skills" before he gets back aboard the F50.

"I'm not one to let my foot go off the pedal." Fletcher added that he would keep himself busy, and work on his skills. (Reporting and editing by Ken Ferris, Christian Radnedge and Alexander Smith)

(source: Reuters)