The world’s fastest boats. Twelve national teams. One final race worth USD $2 million. The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council, arrives at Mina Zayed this weekend (29-30 Nov), and the global sailing world is locked in.
The Rolex SailGP Championship has travelled the world, broken records and redefined what sailing can be: high-octane, tech-driven, athlete-powered racing on F50 foiling catamarans that fly above the water at over 100 km/h. Abu Dhabi now hosts the decisive chapter, transforming its iconic waterfront into a festival of sport, culture and world-class competition.
This is where the title will be won. On November 30, the championship will come down to one single, winner takes all showdown.
The Women Of SailGP
At today’s official press conference at Surf Abu Dhabi, SailGP’s CEO, Russell Coutts captured the moment: “We have broken records all season long, smashing attendance figures globally to prove that SailGP has never been bigger or better. This weekend in Abu Dhabi is the absolute pinnacle of that success. We will see 12 world-class national teams compete, culminating in a final showdown where only the top three will earn a chance to battle for the Rolex SailGP Championship and the monumental US $2 million winner’s purse – the largest prize in the sport. The tension couldn’t be higher, and we are incredibly thankful to all our partners for helping us host this spectacular season conclusion, which truly positions SailGP alongside the world’s greatest sporting events.”
With four teams still mathematically alive, Emirates GBR, the Black Foils, the BONDS Flying Roos and Los Gallos, the pressure is intense. Two days of fleet racing will determine the top three teams in the overall championship standings, who will then advance to a single, winner-takes-all final race.
Dylan Fletcher, Emirates GBR Driver, said: “We’re absolutely buzzing for the racing in Abu Dhabi. To be sat where we are in the standings heading into the Grand Final is super exciting. We’ve had quite a rollercoaster of a season where we started off strong, then took a downward turn at the US events, but then we brought it back in Europe and finished that leg on a high by winning the last event in Cadiz. This is my first season with the team so it’s great to be leading the standings heading into the final event. We’ve been doing a lot of preparation as a team to make sure we are performing at our best in Abu Dhabi. Essentially, there are four teams competing for three spots in the Grand Final and it’s super close on points. It will be whoever comes out best in those fleet races in Abu Dhabi that will make it into that $2m race, and if we manage to get in there we will go hell for leather to try and win the season championship.
“Diego Botin, Los Gallos Driver, added: ”It’s been a challenging second part of the season for us. We are in a hard position to make it into the 3 boat grand final in Abu Dhabi but the small course and the potential light winds open the chances for things to get crazy. For us it will be about being aggressive and playing our cards the best possible way to make the most of our chances.”
A global sporting capital takes centre stage
Abu Dhabi’s role as host reinforces its growing reputation as a home for championship-defining moments. From the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix season finale to the DP World Tour’s Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, the emirate continues to attract world-leading events built around elite performance, innovation and fan-driven spectacle.
SailGP’s commitment to sustainability, cutting-edge racing technology and world-class athleticism aligns seamlessly with that vision, presenting a sport made for a new generation: fast, fearless and future-focused.
More than racing: a full weekend of sport and culture
Beyond the water, the SailGP Race Stadium brings a festival-style atmosphere. Fans can expect performances from platinum-selling artist Olly Murs on Saturday and DJ and TV personality Mark Wright on Sunday, with the Après-Sail celebration presented by Mastercard set to transform Mina Zayed into a lively waterfront destination.
Spectators can choose from premium viewing options including the Waterfront Grandstand and the Waterfront Premium Lounge x Nobu by the Beach. The Race Stadium offers interactive zones, exclusive merchandise, premium food and beverage, and family-friendly entertainment.
This is sailing as few have experienced it: fast, immersive and rooted in community.
More information and ticket details: sailgp.com/abudhabi
