Emirates GBR Triumphs in Abu Dhabi SailGP Final
Alexandra
The four-leg coastal course at Zayed Port placed extra demands on logistics and berth management as Emirates GBR executed a decisive overtake on the fourth leg to win the 2025 SailGP Grand Final in Abu Dhabi, completing a sweep of the championship, season standings and the Impact League award.
Grand Final: race sequence and tactical moves
The Grand Final in Abu Dhabi unfolded on a compact circuit designed to test acceleration, foiling height control and rapid mark roundings. The identical high-performance F50 foiling catamarans were operating in close quarters, which amplified the importance of split-second decisions by helm and tactician. Emirates GBR, starting from third, capitalized on a tightening wind angle and a clean upwind shift to overtake KPMG Australia and New Zealand SailGP Team on the decisive 4th leg.
Key crew roles on the winning boat were clear: Dylan Fletcher at the helm controlling boat speed and angle, Hannah Mills as strategist calling shifts and laylines, Luke Parkinson as flight controller maintaining consistent foil height, and Iain Jensen trimming the wing for peak aerodynamic balance. Ownership and leadership from Ben Ainslie and Chris Blake have helped shape a program that combined raw speed with robust race operations and shore-side logistics.
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Podium overview
| Position | Team | Key Crew | Season Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Emirates GBR | Dylan Fletcher, Hannah Mills, Luke Parkinson, Iain Jensen | Grand Final, Season Champion, Impact League winners |
| 2 | KPMG Australia | Australia crew | Strong season consistency |
| 3 | New Zealand SailGP Team | New Zealand crew | Podium finish in final |
Season architecture and highlights
The 2025 campaign marked the fifth SailGP season and fielded the largest fleet in the series to date. Regatta logistics stretched across five continents with tight turnarounds between events, requiring precise transport schedules for the F50s and coordinated marina support. The calendar featured standout moments including Rolex Northstar Canada capturing a first season win in Los Angeles and Germany SailGP Team taking a first victory in Geneva.
Port cities experienced major spectator influxes: the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth drew approximately 20,000 ticketed fans over its weekend, and the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix in Sydney achieved a global TV audience of 21.1 million viewers earlier in the season. Those numbers highlight both the sport’s spectator appeal and the downstream effects on local hospitality, marinas and charter demand.
F50 technical and operational notes
- Standardized platforms: identical F50s keep competition level while logistics focus on setup, transport and sail inventory.
- High-speed foiling: top speeds and rapid maneuvers increase the need for sail and foil maintenance between events.
- Shore-side footprint: teams require technical pits, crane access and secure berthing for foils and wings.
Sport, sustainability and Impact League
Emirates GBR completed a rare hat-trick by winning the Grand Final, the season leaderboard and the Impact League. The latter awards projects and partnerships that deliver measurable social and environmental benefit. Emirates GBR’s Impact League performance was driven in part by Ben Ainslie’s 1851 Trust and collaborations such as Goodwall, combining youth development and climate-aware initiatives with the team’s public outreach. The integration of sporting success and responsible programs is influencing sponsors, host cities and local regulators when approving future regattas and marina infrastructure investments.
How SailGP affects coastal charter and marina operations
High-profile regattas change the demand profile for nearby marinas and boat rentals. Event weeks typically bring:
- Increased short-term charter and private yacht movements
- Higher berth occupancy and transient fees
- Temporary exclusion zones and revised coastal shipping lanes
- Expanded safety patrols and coordination with harbour masters
| Event Scale | Typical Booking Lead Time | Advice for Renters |
|---|---|---|
| Major SailGP event | 4–8 weeks | Reserve early; confirm berth and skipper availability |
| Smaller regional regatta | 2–4 weeks | Check for temporary navigation restrictions |
Practical tips for skippers and renters
- Book charters and captains well in advance of regatta weekends.
- Review Notice to Mariners and local marine traffic advisories for exclusion zones.
- Plan alternate anchorages and check fuel and provisioning logistics early.
- If hiring a skipper, ensure race-area experience and local port endorsements.
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Forecasting the tourism impact: SailGP events tend to boost local coastal economies and marina traffic, but their global influence is concentrated in host cities rather than producing a uniform worldwide shift. Nevertheless, this coverage remains relevant for charter customers and marina operators. GetBoat aims to stay abreast of such developments and help users adapt. If you are planning your next trip to the seaside, consider the convenience and reliability of GetBoat.
Summary: Emirates GBR’s victory in Abu Dhabi capped a dominant season that combined tactical excellence, operational precision and social impact—their success was enabled by strong crew roles (Dylan Fletcher, Hannah Mills, Luke Parkinson, Iain Jensen) and leadership from Ben Ainslie and Chris Blake. SailGP’s growth continues to affect marinas, coastal tourism and the charter market: increased demand for yachts, boats and captained charters around event weeks, pressure on berth availability, and added requirements for local safety and logistics. The platform provides an accessible, transparent way to book or buy vessels and plan coastal activities; whether you seek a yacht charter, a day sail, fishing trip or superyacht experience, the platform helps match needs to vessels while offering details that matter (make, model, ratings). Embrace the season, plan ahead for events, and let the sea be your classroom for new destinations, boating activities and unforgettable experiences — Sail on.
