SailGP returns to the Persian Gulf for first ever Abu Dhabi event next weekend
by Natalie Fortier NZSailGP 5 Jan 13:41 PST
13-14 January 2024
The fleet in action with the crowd watching on from the Race Stadium in the foreground on Race Day 2 of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix in Dubai, United Arab Emirates © Kieran Cleeves/SailGP
The most exciting race on water returns to the Persian Gulf in one week's time for the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, 13-14 Jan GST. The event marks SailGP's first-ever Abu Dhabi stopover, following an action-packed Dubai event last month.
The New Zealand SailGP Team enters the weekend third in the season standings after a heartstopping win in Dubai - the closest three boat final in SailGP history. With substitute Jimmy Spithill at the helm in his last-ever SailGP race, Australia finished second while Canada finished third after a penalty at the final mark.
Reflecting on Dubai, New Zealand Wing Trimmer Blair Tuke said: "This group has had a tough few months with a lot of ups and downs, so to finish off 2023 like this, it's incredible. [The weekend in Dubai] is a huge plus for us, getting us a win on the board and right back in the hunt."
After extensive crew changes in Dubai, fans will see even more changes across the fleet next weekend following the news Sir Ben Ainslie will step down as driver for the Emirates GBR team, effective immediately. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Giles Scott moves into the role from Abu Dhabi onwards.
Racing will take place between 1400-1530 (local time) on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 January GST (2300hrs NZT).