- Fans descended on Port Rashid for a spectacular day of entertainment, rounded off with a concert by British artist Tinie Tempah
- Australia sits first position on the leaderboard following a hugely impressive display
- Event marked the start of SailGP’s 2025 Season, which finishes in Abu Dhabi in November 2025
September 23, Dubai, United Arab Emirates: SailGP‘s 2025 season-opening event was packed full of entertainment both on and off-water as a music performance from Tinie Tempah rounded off a day which saw Australia take the lead in the standings.
Sporting a new livery and racing for the first time with new wing trimmer Chris Draper, the Aussies executed superb tactical decision making to pick up consistent 3-5-1 race results, taking the win in the third fleet race. The Aussies head into raceday two first on the event leaderboard after day one.
It marks a turnaround for the team who – despite being dominant in the fleet – have historically struggled in light wind conditions.
Peter Burling’s New Zealand also seemed unruffled by the disruption of its crew configuration following the transfer of Andy Maloney to Mubadala Brazil and finished the day in second overall, followed by Emirates GBR, driven by returning SailGP veteran Dylan Fletcher.
The day of tactical, light-air racing saw teams drop down to four crew on board and work hard to harness power from the patchy 10-15 km/h winds. Starts proved to be crucial, with the teams crossing the line first stretching away from the rest of the fleet.
Taylor Canfield’s United States converted an excellent start into a decisive win in the opening race of the event, while race two saw a perfect start for Canada and Mubadala Brazil, with the pair going head to head in a light wind drag race to Mark 1.
But Canada pushed Mubadala Brazil wide, causing the fledgling team to drop behind the rest of the fleet and finish 10th, while Canada took the win under new driver Giles Scott.
An expertly timed run up to the start line saw the Aussies scream into a crowded line up in the third fleet race, win the sprint to Mark 1 and pop up onto the foils to pull away. Emirates GBR and Canada followed closely behind, but Australia stretched ahead to cross the line with a near two minute lead over the British in second.
The most dramatic moment of the day however saw newcomer Mubadala Brazil execute a last minute dash to the finish line, passing four boats to finish in 6th.
Heading into day two, the Aussies top the leaderboard with 24 points, with New Zealand in second with 23 points. Emirates GBR, Canada and the United States all sit tied in third with 18 each.
Tom Slingsby, driver of the Australian team at SailGP, said: “It was real snakes and ladders out there. We had a good day and a good start to the season but we know we have a lot to do over the weekend. In the second start we were going backwards at the start and were last to the first mark but we started much better in the third race, found a gap and got on the foils, which was great. Chris Draper has great ability in the light airs and provides us with great experience and we are really happy to have him on the team.”
Away from the race action, fans in attendance were treated to a brilliant waterside concert by British musician Tinie Tempah, who thrilled fans with a high-tempo, energetic display in a stunning setting. The singer took to the stage in the Waterfront Premium Lounge presented by Nikki Beach, shortly after racing finished, and performed some of his biggest hits, including Pass Out and Written in the Stars.
Earlier in the day, DUBAI REEF, a sustainable initiative by Dubai Can, successfully started the deployment phase for the reef modules that will form the world’s largest single purpose-built reef development.
The deployment marked the latest milestone for DUBAI REEF, the second major project under Dubai Can, a pioneering citywide sustainability initiative launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
Racing resumes at 2pm GST on Sunday, November 23, with two further fleet races scheduled ahead of the winner-takes-all Final. Sunday’s music performance will be provided by Craig David, who is set to bring the curtain down on SailGP’s wonderful season-opening weekend in style.
