Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas – Day 1
by SailGP 23 Nov 07:22 PST
23-24 November 2024
The SailGP fleet racing, featuring the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team and the Canada NorthStar SailGP Team in the foreground, on Race Day 1 of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, UAE © Simon Bruty for SailGP
The largest-ever SailGP fleet (11 national teams) gathered at Dubai’s Port Mina Rashid to officially launch the 2025 Season of the Rolex SailGP Championship.
Fans in the Race Stadium enjoyed front-row views of the action, as light-air and technical racing unfolded just meters from the shore.
With a focus on consistency, Australia and New Zealand lead the pack entering day two, amassing 24 and 23 points, respectively. The race for the third finalist spot, with only three points separating eighth from third place on the event standings, is intense. Six teams are in contention: Emirates Great Britain, Canada, and the U.S. SailGP Team, each with 18 points, alongside Switzerland (17), Spain (16), and Germany (15).
The U.S. SailGP Team clinched victory in the day’s first fleet race, reminiscent of their last performance in the UAE, showcasing strong skills in ultra-light conditions. They took an early lead and maintained it, finishing first in their revamped ‘Lady Liberty’ F50.
Driver Taylor Canfield expressed: “We were thrilled about the first win, which wasn’t our initial aim but we’re always focused on consistency. We’re happy to shake off the nerves. The course is tricky, and sometimes decisions are difficult, but we trust ourselves to make necessary adjustments for tomorrow.”
As conditions improved during the day, patchy winds favored the Australia SailGP Team, propelling the Flying Roo across the starting line and giving the three-time champions a solid advantage in fleet race two. With finishes of third, fifth, and first throughout the day, they topped the leaderboard, just one point ahead of their rivals, Peter Burling’s Black Foils (New Zealand).
Tom Slingsby, driver for the Australia SailGP Team, noted: “It was like snakes and ladders out there. We had a good start to the season but know there’s more work ahead. Chris Draper’s experience in light air conditions is invaluable and we’re happy to have him with us.”
Chasing close behind was returning driver Dylan Fletcher of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, demonstrating he hasn’t lost his edge since his previous season. Emirates Great Britain finished the day third overall in points.
Fletcher remarked: “Today was quite hectic for everyone, racing for the first time with a big wing, and it was thrilling. It’s challenging but having Luke [Parkinson] and Hannah [Mills] with their experience was beneficial. We know we need two strong races tomorrow for the final, but we’re focusing on each race and aiming to avoid trouble.”
Dubai also marked the racing debut for Ruggero Tita with the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, as well as Martine Grael of the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team. Grael secured crucial points with a slingshot maneuver around the final mark in fleet race three, achieving an impressive sixth-place finish amidst a cheering crowd for the double Olympic Gold medalist.
Doubts arose about the trans-Tasman rivals New Zealand and Australia as both teams had to replace key athletes taken during the offseason transfer window—Kyle Langford (AUS to ITA) and Andy Maloney (NZL to BRA). However, neither team appeared to miss these athletes in today’s light winds.
Burling shared: “It feels like ages since we last raced and today was tough with shifting winds. Given our recent changes, we’re pleased with our performance and how quickly we adapted. Blair [Tuke] and Leo [Takahashi] are doing a fantastic job getting the boat to perform well in these conditions.”
Tomorrow promises intense competition on the second and final day of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas. The opener of the 2025 Season will conclude with live performances from world-renowned star, Tinie Tempah, followed by Craig David providing après-sail entertainment for fans after the prize-giving. Remaining tickets for the event are available now at SailGP.com/dubai, with viewing details at SailGP.com/Watch.
Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas day one standings:
1. Australia 24 points
2. New Zealand 23 points
3. Emirates Great Britain 18 points
4. Canada 18 points
5. United States 18 points
6. Switzerland 17 points
7. Spain 16 points
8. Germany 15 points
9. Rockwool Denmark 7 points
10. Mubadala Brazil 6 points
11. Red Bull Italy 3 points
