SailGP: Season 5’s Final Team Lineup Uncertain as Teams Exceed Available Boats
by SailGP/Sail-World.com/nz 7 Oct 19:23 PDT
Emirates Team New Zealand sails to victory in the America’s Cup – America’s Cup 35th Match – Match Day 5 – Regatta Day 21, June 26, 2017 (ADT) © Richard Gladwell
An 11-boat fleet of national F50s will line up for next season’s opener in Dubai this November, but the future of three teams is still uncertain.
The confirmed F50 entry includes two new national teams, with Brazil announced earlier this year. Additionally, discussions regarding an Italian team led by SailGP veteran Jimmy Spithill are ongoing. Prada co-CEO Patrizio Bertelli mentioned in a Barcelona interview that Prada/Luna Rossa had considered investing in a SailGP team but opted out, believing it would detract from their America’s Cup ambitions.
Canada has secured its position in the league with a private sale of the team to biotech entrepreneur Dr. Greg Bailey. Despite some strong performances and a record attendance at their Halifax home regatta, Canada was generally thought to be at risk of being dropped.
Which team will forfeit the start of the 2024/25 Season?
Currently, nine teams are confirmed for the starting line next season. These include new entries Brazil and Italy (subject to final sale), as well as Australia, Canada, Rockwool Denmark, Emirates GBR, Germany, the United States, and Switzerland.
The two remaining F50s will be allocated to one of the following teams: New Zealand, France, or Spain.
What will happen to the other team?
SailGP is expediting the creation of its 12th F50 catamaran following the acquisition of an AC50 previously utilized by Team New Zealand during the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda.
Components from this boat are being used in constructing ‘boat 12’ at SailGP Technologies, based in Southampton, UK, and New Zealand.
However, this F50 won’t be ready in time for Dubai, meaning one team will miss the season opener.
This team will receive compensatory points for missing the event before joining the rest of the fleet at the Auckland start line in January 2025. Further details on this will be provided shortly.
