Diego Biotin’s team scraped into the Grand Final after fending off stiff competition from France in fleet racing to nail the start and secure the all-important inside line at Mark 1.

But Spain’s lead was marginal, and Australia and New Zealand remained close behind, pouring pressure on every maneuver.

Nonetheless - and despite losing speed on the final mark rounding, allowing the Aussies to make threatening gains - the Spanish managed to rebuild momentum to cross the finish line in first - ending Australia’s three-Championship winning streak.