Improved results for New Zealand's SailGP crew have seen them miss out on the podium race yet again at Sydney
After a frustrating opening three races, the Kiwis showed their class 24 hours later, finishing second and third, but missed the three-boat shootout for the regatta win by two points to Spain, ending fifth on the weekend.
The result leaves New Zealand with no chance of competing for NZ$1.48 million in the final race of the season at San Francisco in March, with fourth spot the best finish they can achieve in a season when they haven't made a podium race.
Powered by the immense skills of Sir Ben Ainslee, the British team didn't race on Saturday, after causing a crash that resulted in major damage to Japan.
Ainslee offered up his boat to the Japanese - skippered by Team NZ's Nathan Outteridge - who used parts from both boats to win races four and five, but just missed out on the finale.
Home crew Australia pipped the United States and Spain for round honors to extend their lead in the championship.
SailGP Championship Standings: Australia 55, USA 53, Japan 51, Spain 43, New Zealand 42, Great Britain 41, Denmark 38, France 35.
