Great Britain Wins SailGP Grand Final in Abu Dhabi for First Title

Great Britain have claimed their first SailGP championship by winning the Abu Dhabi grand final in a dramatic, winner-takes-all race. The British crew surged ahead in the decisive leg to capture the overall title and a £1.5 million prize.

Final showdown in Abu Dhabi

The three-boat final in Abu Dhabi featured Emirates GBR against two-time champions Australia and New Zealand, with the top three teams from 14 legs earning a spot in the climactic race.

Emirates GBR, skippered by Dylan Fletcher, moved into the lead on the fourth leg to reel in the Australians and the New Zealanders, sealing victory and the season crown.

Key figures and moments

Hannah Mills, Olympic gold medallist from Rio 2016 and London silver in 2012, served as on-board strategist and helped shape GB's late surge. Fletcher, 37, in his first season as driver, called the finish unbelievable and praised the whole squad.

Mills said the goal was to stay calm, stay in the race, and wait for the right moment, noting there was a lot of pressure on board and that the team did a strong job under stress.

Team leadership and future plans

Emirates GBR is led by chief executive Ben Ainslie, a four-time Olympic champion, who spoke of a bright horizon with the team's challenge for the 2027 America's Cup in Naples. He described the crew as among the best sailors in the world and said they intend to stay on top.

Ainslie's Ineos Britannia squad finished runner-up to New Zealand in the 2024 America's Cup, and Britain has never won that historic trophy in its 173-year history.

Season context

The top three teams from 14 regattas qualified for the Abu Dhabi final, with GBR finishing the season with the best record and 100 points. They led New Zealand by eight points, while Australia edged out last season's champions Spain by five points to join the final field.

Expert comment

Expert view: The title marks a significant milestone for British sailing and demonstrates depth across the squad. With the 2027 America's Cup on the horizon, this success could propel further achievements.

Short summary

Great Britain captured their first SailGP title at the Abu Dhabi grand final after a late-race move beat Australia and New Zealand. Dylan Fletcher steered the team, supported by Olympic champion Hannah Mills, while Ben Ainslie highlighted the squad's big potential ahead of the 2027 America's Cup. The victory crowned the season with GBR on top of the standings with 100 points.

Key insight: The first SailGP title signals a new era for British sailing as the team eyes the 2027 America's Cup.

BBC Sport