Coutts sheds light on importance of Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix

With less than one month to go, the excitement for SailGP’s season-opening event in Dubai is building. Set to be a flagship event on the UAE sporting calendar, this is a landmark moment for SailGP, with our largest fleet of 11 teams on the startline, including two new nations - Italy and the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team.

Sir Russell Coutts, SailGP CEO, Olympic champion and five-time America’s Cup winner and co-founder of SailGP, the world’s fastest racing on water, spoke about the importance of Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix ahead of the kick-off.

SailGP’s fifth season will start and finish in the UAE, racing full circle around the globe from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, with stops in iconic destinations, from New York, to Rio De Janeiro, Geneva, and beyond.

“The Middle East is a strategically important market for SailGP — alongside the world’s leading players in the sport and entertainment sector. We’re proud to work with a number of valued partners in the region, including Mubadala, Emirates, P&O Marinas, Dubai Sports Council and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council - with more to be announced soon - alongside our Global Partners Rolex, Oracle and Apex.

The start of the 2025 Season will mark SailGP’s return to racing fans worldwide after crowning our Season 4 champions Spain in July - a victory that caught many by surprise. Los Gallos beat three-time champions Australia and SailGP heavyweights New Zealand, claiming SailGP’s coveted $2 million prize, and underscoring the level of competition across the fleet.

“We’ve also seen a busy summer of movement, with national teams sparking a transfer war, shaking up their lineups to earn an edge on their competitors. It marks a new era in the sport of sailing - with a competitive transfer market and teams consistently growing in value.

“The changes will mean even more tension and excitement as rival nationals go head to head, while we also welcome some new personalities to the league, including our first female driver, double Olympic gold medallist Martine Grael from Brazil. It remains to be seen who will step in to drive for Emirates Great Britain, after the shock departure of Giles Scott to Canada.”

The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas will be SailGP’s third visit to the city which has hosted some incredible moments, including the closest-ever finish in SailGP history. New Zealand pipped Canada and Australia just inches from the finish, claiming a photo victory in front of thousands of cheering fans along the shoreline.

“Dubai is a spectacular venue for SailGP, providing close-to-shore stadium racing in front of the iconic city skyline, and the ultimate on-land party experience. We’ve teamed up with Nikki Beach once more this year to provide world-class hospitality for our guests, including performances by international music artists Tinie Tempah and Craig David taking to the stage each day after racing.

“We have always said SailGP is for the racing fan — not your typical sailing fan. This is the very best of high-speed, high-tech racing, but on water. This month’s event in Dubai is one not to be missed, whether you’re a seasoned SailGP fan or new to our sport,” he added.