Sail GP (Grand Prix)?
SailGP is a premier global sailing championship that features nation-versus-nation competition using cutting-edge F50 foiling catamarans. Established in 2018 by Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, SailGP (Sail Grand Prix) aims to redefine sailing by combining high-speed racing with advanced technology.
Inaugural Season (2019):
The inaugural season of 2019 featured six teams from Australia, China, France, Great Britain, Japan, and the United States. The competition spanned five events in iconic locations: Sydney, San Francisco, New York, Cowes, and Marseille. Led by skipper Tom Slingsby, the Australian team clinched the championship after a thrilling match race against Japan, helmed by Nathan Outteridge.
Subsequent Seasons:
2021–22 Season: Originally slated for 2020, the season was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It introduced teams from Spain and Denmark, with China exiting the competition. Notably, sailing legends like Ben Ainslie and Peter Burling joined as skippers. Australia defended its title, winning the championship in San Francisco Bay.
2022–23 Season: This season saw the addition of Canada and Switzerland, expanding the fleet. The Australian team continued its dominance, securing a third consecutive championship by outperforming New Zealand and Great Britain in the finals.
2023–24 Season: The German team joined as the tenth entrant. Spain made a remarkable turnaround, winning the championship after finishing last the previous year. Significant leadership changes occurred, with Giles Scott taking over Great Britain’s team and Taylor Canfield helming the U.S. team.
Current Season (2024–25):
The fifth season has expanded to include new teams from Brazil and Italy, bringing the total to eleven competitors. The season’s calendar features new venues in Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Arab Emirates, alongside returns to established locations like Sydney and San Francisco. Innovations such as introducing T-Foils aim to enhance performance and level the playing field, promising more thrilling and competitive racing.
Recent Developments:
The season commenced in Dubai on November 23–24, 2024, with the Australian team adapting to roster changes, including the departure of wing trimmer Kyle Langford to the new Red Bull Italy team. Despite these shifts, Australia continues to be a formidable contender.
As of March 2025, the championship has progressed through events in Auckland and Sydney, with the Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix scheduled for March 15–16, 2025. The competition remains fierce, with teams continually pushing the boundaries of speed and strategy to pursue the coveted SailGP Championship trophy.
SailGP’s evolution reflects its commitment to innovation, diversity, and elevating the sport of sailing to unprecedented heights on the global stage.
As of March 18, 2025, the 2024–25 SailGP Championship has seen intense competition among the participating teams. The most recent event, the Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, concluded on March 16, 2025, with the Canadian team, led by helmsman Giles Scott, securing their first event victory. Canada outperformed New Zealand and Australia in the final race, marking a significant milestone in their SailGP journey.
Current Season Standings:
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Canada | 64 |
| 2 | Spain | 63 |
| 3 | France | 62 |
| 4 | Switzerland | 61 |
| 5 | Red Bull Italy | 60 |
| 6 | New Zealand | 58 |
| 7 | Germany Deutsche Bank | 56 |
| 8 | Mubadala Brazil | 56 |
| 9 | Great Britain | 56 |
| 10 | Australia | 55 |
| 11 | United States | 53 |
| 12 | Rockwool Denmark | 53 |
Note: The above standings are based on the latest available data up to the Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix.
The championship remains highly competitive, with several teams close to the top position. The upcoming events will be pivotal in determining the overall season champion.
