Please select your home edition
Edition
Doyle_SailWorld_728X90px_GP TOP

Middle East debut sells out first Sail Grand Prix weekend

by Abdullah Sallam 14 Nov 2022 03:04 PST 12-13 November 2022
Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas © Performance Communications

The Australia SailGP Team delivered one of the more remarkable victories seen in SailGP, as the Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas enjoyed a highly successful inaugural visit to the Middle East, with large crowds enjoying the action up-close at the Mina Rashid venue.

Tom Slingsby's Australian team dramatically overtook both France and Great Britain from what had seemed winning positions to storm back onto the winner's podium in the final race of this weekend's action. Australia now leads the championship by nine points from New Zealand, with France one point further back, as the nine participating teams head into the final leg of the season.

The Middle East's debut appearance on the SailGP calendar proved extremely popular with the UAE's sailing and sports fans. Over the weekend, thousands packed the shoreline of the Mina Rashid race village, meters away from the action - the closest racecourse of the series. Demand for full hospitality Platinum tickets was so high that SailGP had to significantly increase the original number of planned places, while all technical tours also sold out.

SailGP has already confirmed that it will return to the Middle East in 2023, this time with two events at locations that will be shared in the coming months.

His Excellency Saeed Hareb, Secretary-General of the Dubai Sports Council, praised the contribution of the Dubai Sail Grand Prix to the Emirate's growing sports portfolio, saying: "Dubai's hosting of this global championship shows the UAE's experience and expertise in organising major sporting global events at the highest level. Our deep-rooted sailing heritage continues to grow, as we further enjoy significant achievements across multiple water sports, ranging from traditional Dhow sailing to speedboating. We are proud of our facilities, beaches and the high standards that have become a feature of all tournaments and events held in the UAE."

Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, commented: "Dubai was the closest final we have ever seen, and the best amphitheater for watching the racing - the fans were closer to the boats than they have ever been in any other venue, and I think everyone would agree it was a tremendous success."

As part of SailGP's objective to inspire and educate young people and sailing enthusiasts, the build-up to the racing featured a number of special events. Housed at the all-new P&O Marinas Water Sport & Sailing Academy, and supported by the Dubai Off-Shore Sailing Club (DOSC), SailGP's INSPIRE program, with its hands-on STEM education approach, was launched to over 500 local students.

Earlier in the week, SailGP's foiling F50s were joined by two traditional wooden dhows from Team F3, who are sponsored by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for a unique training session, and Red Bull wakeboarder and Emirati, Omeir Saeed joined in the team on the water in again another quest to inspire and showcase the world of watersports.

Dubai was SailGP's global championship's seventh event, and now continues to conquer new frontiers with the first ever Singapore Sail Grand Prix on January 14 and 15, 2023. For tickets, head to SailGP.com/Singapore for tickets and to rewatch the action from Dubai visit to SailGP.com/Watch

Related Articles

Germany Deutsche Bank claim first SailGP event win
Race Day 2 of the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix The Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank has entered the winners circle, claiming their first event victory at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix in tricky, light conditions on the waters of Lake Geneva. Posted on 21 Sep
SailGP: Germany score first Event win - Day 2
The German crew led by Erik Heil sailed consistently, on a day where inconsistency was punished. Perhaps it was not surprising that in a nation known for its horology, that the time-clock should have played such a dominant role for the Final day of SailGP Switzerland. Posted on 21 Sep
SailGP: Australia on top in Geneva- Day 1
The Flying Roos (AUS) top of the leaderboard, after the first day of racing in SailGP Switzerland. The Flying Roos sit on top of the leaderboard, after the first day of racing in SailGP Switzerland. This was the first test of the new light air foils, and three races were sailed, all completed within the time limits. Posted on 21 Sep
BONDS Flying Roos in pole position in Geneva
Day 1 of Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix The BONDS Flying Roos top the event leaderboard with 25 points after opening day in Geneva. All 12 international teams battled shifty, light conditions, with those able to stay up on the foils and nail the maneuvers finding themselves still in the hunt. Posted on 20 Sep
SailGP prepares for high-stakes Lake Geneva debut
A weekend of tactical, light-air racing on the horizon The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix begins tomorrow with a weekend of tactical, light-air racing on the horizon. All twelve national teams hit the water today, getting in essential practice laps in the only freshwater venue of the season. Posted on 19 Sep
SailGP: Artemis is the 13th team to join SailGP
ETNZ co-helmsman Nathan Outteridge to be the helmsman for new Swedish SailGP team. SailGP CEO Russell Coutts has announced that the Swedish team Artemis is the 13th team to join the SailGP League. The helmsman will be Nathan Outteridge, currently a co-helmsman with Emirates Team New Zealand. Posted on 19 Sep
SailGP: Brits win French event
Day 2 of the Sail Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez has been cancelled due to forecast thunderstorms Day 2 of the Rockwool France Sail Grand Prix in Saint-Tropez has been cancelled due to forecast thunderstorms expected to impact the area during scheduled racing. Posted on 13 Sep
ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix Day 1
Fletcher flies high on turbulent first day Day one of the ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix went the way of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team as they topped the event leaderboard after the first four fleet races of the weekend in Saint-Tropez. Posted on 12 Sep
SailGP: Brits top leaderboard after Day 1
A squirrely 15-18kts breeze opened up plenty of opportunity for aggressive tactics. Emirates GBR topped the SailGP France leaderboard after the first day of racing in Saint Tropez. The squirrely 15-18kt breeze was distorted by the surrounding high terrain, channeling the pressure and direction, caused some dramatic switching of places. Posted on 12 Sep
Riviera racing: SailGP set for Saint-Tropez return
As league confirms 2026 expansion team plans The Rolex SailGP Championship returns tomorrow - and France's famous "Mistral [wind] has turned up just in time," according to league CEO Sir Russell Coutts. Twelve national teams will hit the startline for the sold-out event. Posted on 11 Sep
Mackay Boats 728x90 BOTTOMC-Tech 2021 America's Cup 728x90 BOTTOMBarton Marine Pipe Glands