The first ever SailGP was witnessed by more than 20,000 people who took to the water on the spectacular Sydney Harbour, providing the perfect amphitheater for the season kick off.

Two intense days of racing saw six national teams do battle in the world's most technologically advanced catamarans, competing to get the first points on the leaderboard and closer to the $1 million Season 1 prize.

In front of cheering crowds, the green and gold F50 race boat of the Australia SailGP Team, helmed by local hero Tom Slingsby, won the final race of the day to earn the title in the opening event over Japan.

The Olympic gold medallist and his crew of flight controller and tactician Jason Waterhouse, wing trimmer Kyle Langford, grinders Sam Newton and Ky Hurst, and Kinley Fowler gave a masterclass to the rest of the fleet.

Overall Leaderboard Sydney

1st: Australia 48pts
2nd: Japan 45pts
3rd: Great Britain 36pts
4th: China 33pts
5th: France 33pts
6th: United States 31pts

Big congratulations to the Aussies on this massive win and a great start to the series!