Sailing: Peter Burling guides New Zealand to second straight Sail GP victory

New Zealand have continued their charge in the Sail GP with a dominant performance off Copenhagen, Denmark.

After the opening day was cancelled due to lack of wind, Peter Burling led his team to wins in all three fleet races, before blitzing the field to win the event final by 25 seconds.

The result comes on the back of their maiden victory at the Great Britain Grand Prix at Plymouth last month, making it back-to-back victories for the Kiwis. 

They're now just four championship points behind Tom Slingsby's Australia, who missed out on the final for the first time in six events.

New Zealand celebrate Sail GP victory at Copenhagen
New Zealand celebrate Sail GP victory at Copenhagen. Photo credit: Photosport

New Zealand beat France and hometown favourites Denmark in the final, with Burling in vintage form at the helm, guiding the boat to leads at both marks one and two, and never looking back.

"It's amazing to see the team come together and win four races in a row," said Burling.  

"We had some good opportunities at the start of the races and, to be honest, the race is easy when you're leading at mark one. We had all the time and space in the world."

NZ team strategist Olivia Mackay recorded her first event win, after not racing with the team at Plymouth.

"It was incredible out there, I just can't get over this feeling," said Mackay. "It's been such a cool journey for us as a team.

"Everyone has been learning and contributing together. It's fantastic."

The European leg of the championship continues next month at Saint-Tropez with the France Sail Grand Prix.