The Saint-Tropez Grand Prix opens with two announcements set to mark a turning point in high-speed sailing: the introduction of new high-performance rudders and the implementation of automated foil-protection software. Both innovations, specifically designed for high-load, high-speed manoeuvres, aim to enhance the safety and competitiveness of the F50 fleet.
The French Riviera is bracing for a weekend of pure adrenaline with the arrival of the ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix, one of the most anticipated fixtures on the 2025 SailGP calendar. Unusually, racing in Saint-Tropez will take place on Friday (13:30 CEST) and Saturday (12:30 CEST) rather than the standard Saturday and Sunday format.
Spotlight will be firmly on the home team, led by Quentin Delapierre, who arrive buoyed by victory in Sassnitz. That recent win, however, also adds pressure: to maintain their momentum from Germany and to meet the expectations of a home crowd in a venue where they have yet to reach the podium.
“After our two podiums in the United States, the win in Germany came at just the right moment. It gives confidence, though we have to stay humble. Saint-Tropez is a huge target for the team. We finished fourth here twice, in 2023 and 2024. We want to relive what we experienced in Sassnitz. Winning in Saint-Tropez would be extraordinary. I’m eager to hear the foghorns,” said Delapierre in the build-up.
On the technical front, the new rudders, the result of more than 18 months of testing, are longer, thinner and more efficient, giving pilots greater control at top speeds and improved performance in lighter winds. The step forward is significant: the new design raises the cavitation threshold, where stability begins to break down, from 83 km/h to 106 km/h. For fans, it promises bolder manoeuvres, fewer breakages and speeds that push the limits of modern sailing.
Alongside this, the league has rolled out foil-protection software, an automated system that activates during extreme manoeuvres to instantly adjust daggerboard angles, reducing peak loads and safeguarding both boats and crews.
“These innovations are part of SailGP’s broader vision: to redefine sailing through technological excellence, sporting drama, speed and the highest level of performance,” said the league’s CEO, Sir Russell Coutts.
Also returning this weekend is the Brazilian team, back in action after their crash in Sassnitz. Mubadala Brazil approach the Saint-Tropez stage as a chance to regain rhythm and confidence heading into the closing stretch of the season.
Weather is set to play its part too: the famous mistral is already sweeping across Saint-Tropez, with forecasts predicting gusts above 40 km/h – right on the F50’s operational limit.
Australia (Tom Slingsby) – 61 pts
New Zealand (Peter Burling) – 61 pts
Great Britain (Dylan Fletcher) – 58 pts
Spain (Diego Botín) – 56 pts
France (Quentin Delapierre) – 47 pts
Canada (Giles Scott) – 44 pts
Switzerland (Sébastien Schneiter) – 30 pts
Denmark (Nicolai Sehested) – 22 pts
Italy (Ruggero Tita) – 20 pts
Brazil (Martine Grael) – 11 pts
Germany (Erik Heil) – 6 pts
United States (Taylor Canfield) – -8 pts
Stadium open: 12:30–16:30 CEST
Racing: 13:30–15:00 CEST
Stadium open: 11:30–15:30 CEST
Racing: 12:30–14:00 CEST
Can the French team harness the home breeze to close the gap and deliver victory to their supporters in Saint-Tropez? Or will the ocean heavyweights, Australia and New Zealand, reassert their dominance and extend their lead at the top of the standings?
