The Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 reaches its decisive moment this weekend in Abu Dhabi. After eleven Grand Prix events, only one remains before the Grand Final, the single race that ultimately crowns the season’s champion. The fleet arrives tightly packed at the top of the standings: Emirates Great Britain leads on 95 points, followed by New Zealand’s Black Foils on 93, Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos on 92 and Spain in fourth place with 87.
The format once again pushes competition to its highest level. Two days of fleet racing will determine the event winner and, more importantly, which three teams qualify for the Grand Final. Once there, the season resets completely. No accumulated points, no safety net: the first boat across the line becomes champion and claims the $2 million prize.
Emirates GBR enter the weekend with the most comfortable scenario. The British crew have been the most consistent across the year, winning three events and performing in all conditions, boosted by the return of double Olympic medallist Dylan Fletcher. To secure their place in the Grand Final, they don’t need heroics, merely to avoid disaster. Finishing ninth or better in fleet racing should be enough. After that, the challenge is to turn their strong season into the title that has so far eluded them.
New Zealand face the weekend with a complication that briefly shook confidence. Peter Burling suffered a serious cut to his finger during practice earlier in the week, forcing him ashore for Thursday’s sailing. After medical assessment he has been cleared to race and will take the helm when it matters most. The Black Foils’ equation is straightforward: sixth place or better guarantees a Grand Final berth. Their speed, adaptability and experience under pressure are undeniable, but Abu Dhabi’s tight racecourse can punish even a minor lapse.
Australia are never out of the conversation when a trophy is on the line. The Flying Roos need to finish ahead of Spain to remain in full control of their destiny, though any misstep could open the door to complications. Tom Slingsby has made it clear he intends to avoid a repeat of last season’s missed final. With three SailGP titles and an Olympic gold to his name, he is accustomed to this kind of atmosphere. His priority will be to stay clear of trouble, secure qualification, and then race with the intensity that has defined his success.
Spain, despite being the reigning champions, arrive in the most fragile position. They need a nearly flawless performance and for one of Australia, New Zealand or Great Britain to falter. The truth is that they do not enter as favourites. Their season has lacked the consistency of those ahead of them and they cannot afford mistakes. Still, the respect they command across the fleet is real. Slingsby has openly admitted Spain are the last team he wants breathing down his neck. If the situation demands risk, Botín’s crew embrace it — but their margin is razor-thin.
Financial stakes add further tension. A total of $3.25 million is on the line: $800,000 for the Abu Dhabi event winner, $450,000 for the team finishing top of the regular season standings and the $2 million jackpot reserved exclusively for the winner of the Grand Final. It is a structure that forces every tactical decision to weigh risk against reward.
Abu Dhabi’s racecourse is compact, with typically light winds compressing the fleet and reducing recovery opportunities. A mistimed manoeuvre can trigger a swift fall through the standings, with the proximity of the boats magnifying every minor error.
Emirates GBR also arrive with positive momentum off the water after securing their second consecutive Impact League victory — now they face the challenge of matching that success where it matters most. New Zealand seek their first title. Australia want to reclaim dominance. Spain aim to disrupt the order again.
History shows SailGP crowns not the most regular, but the team that execute perfectly when everything is at stake. The final sprint across the Gulf will decide who has truly been the best of the season.
Will Spain defend their title, or will New Zealand, Australia or Emirates GBR seize the glory in Abu Dhabi?
