SailGP and DP World Join Forces for Landmark Women’s Performance Camp
by SailGP 6 Dec 09:49 PST
SailGP and DP World collaborate to present a significant Women’s Performance Camp © SailGP
As the exciting race concluded at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas, another significant event for the global championship’s 2025 Season began – the SailGP Women’s Performance Camp, organized by DP World.
Held on Monday, November 25, and Tuesday, November 26, both on and off the waters of Port Mina Rashid, the Dubai camp represents the largest female athlete development program for the league in terms of training hours on the water. Thanks to the support of DP World, the program featured intensive training in crucial positions on three identical F50 catamarans, comprising three tailored practice races with 18 female athletes participating.
Facilitated by SailGP coaches and several position specialists, this focused training period promoted collaboration and skill enhancement among both male and female athletes, aiming to bridge the experience gap in the sport. SailGP’s long-term goal is to foster gender equality in leadership roles both on and off the water, aspiring for two female athletes per race crew in key positions by 2030.
Fiona Morgan, Chief Purpose Officer at SailGP, stated, “The SailGP Women’s Performance Camp, run by DP World, was an ideal way to launch the 2025 season, injecting fresh energy and momentum into our vision to transform sailing. This camp is a crucial milestone in SailGP’s dedication to achieving greater gender equity within the sport. Making this a reality requires continued on-water training programs, which present unique operational challenges but offer immense rewards.
Having DP World as a new partner, stepping in immediately to support the breaking down of these barriers, is fantastic. The athletes’ progress in such a short time has been incredibly impressive – it’s inspiring to see talented athletes unite to drive this movement for change.
While this is merely the start, these days were exceptionally special for all participants. Empowerment arises not just from internal strength but from the audacity to push limits, challenge norms, and redefine what can be achieved on the water. The future of sailing is one where women and men collaboratively lead the way.”
Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO & Managing Director for the GCC Region at DP World, expressed, “DP World proudly supports the SailGP Women’s Performance Camp, a revolutionary initiative that empowers female SailGP athletes and encourages inclusivity in the sport by providing opportunities that many athletes have not previously had. Our partnership underscores our commitment to fostering diversity and enabling women to thrive. By utilizing our global network and expertise, we hope to inspire the next generation of athletes, ensuring that their talents are nurtured. This training camp exemplifies our dedication to facilitating meaningful change and allowing women to compete at the highest levels.”
Liv Mackay, who recently celebrated her victory with the New Zealand SailGP Team in the kickoff event of the 2025 Season at the Rolex SailGP Championship just the previous day, set aside her role as strategist to take on the driving helm for the day. She enthusiastically shared her thoughts on the development camp’s offerings for her and her fellow athletes:
“A women’s performance camp is absolutely incredible. It’s the first of its kind we’ve had, backed by DP World, and having 18 women involved is a tremendous leap forward; two days of gaining such experience is invaluable. I’m incredibly excited to have this time on the water.”
Earlier in November, DP World and SailGP, both pioneers in their respective areas, announced a groundbreaking global smart logistics partnership. This collaboration establishes DP World, a leading provider of comprehensive supply chain solutions, as a global partner for SailGP, tasked with managing the transport and delivery of the Rolex SailGP Championship’s annual events across some of the world’s most renowned locations.
The three-season partnership commenced at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas – the inaugural event of the Rolex SailGP Championship’s 2025 Season, which occurred from Saturday to Sunday, November 23-24, 2024. The most exhilarating on-water racing heads to Australia in January, with the Rolex SailGP’s first event of the new year, the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland (January 18-19, 2025).
For more details, visit www.sailgp.com
