Canada’s historic win in Christchurch will provide a “big morale boost” to the team after the “emotional experience” of Sydney, driver Phil Robertson said.

The Canadians went head-to-head against home favourites New Zealand and season leaders Australia on the waters of Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour in a race packed with close crosses and dramatic moments. Despite falling off the foils and even picking up a boundary penalty, it was Robertson’s team that came out on top, bursting across the finish line ahead of the Kiwis.

Speaking after racing, Robertson said the historic win meant even more coming off the back of an ‘emotional’ event in Sydney. Canada’s wing and brand new F50 sustained significant damage in an extreme weather incident shortly after racing on the first day.

While the crew had a tough time as a result of the incident, the adversity “brought the team together”.

“That’s massive for any team sport, so we’re a tight group now and to get a win like that is pretty special,” he said.