SailGP Championship begins this weekend in Dubai”>Rolex SailGP Championship ” class=”wp-image-152925″ srcset=”https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–300×200.jpg 300w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–1024×683.jpg 1024w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–768×512.jpg 768w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–1536×1024.jpg 1536w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–2048×1365.jpg 2048w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–630×420.jpg 630w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–696×464.jpg 696w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–1068×712.jpg 1068w, https://www.ilnautilus.it/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Rolex-SailGP-Championship–1920×1280.jpg 1920w” sizes=”(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px”/>
Two new nations hit the startline for the first time at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas. The event will be the first under the league’s new Title Partnership – the start of the Rolex SailGP Championship.
DUBAI, UAE – This weekend, the most exciting racing on water returns to the iconic city of Dubai – marking the official start of SailGP’s most expansive season to date. The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas is set to be a spectacular showdown, with old rivalries on display, big personalities joining the fleet, and new global partners coming onboard.
The expanded 2025 Season will bring a new era of the best high-speed, high-tech racing – with even more on the line. This morning, SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts unveiled an increased bonus prize purse of USD $12.8 million up for grabs across the season.
Coutts said, “I am pleased to reveal the prize money has grown to $12.8 million – a number we intend to increase as we continue to grow commercially. The stakes are high and the rewards for achieving top performance are higher. Which means we can attract – and retain – the sport’s brightest stars, while inspiring up and coming future athletes to work hard to gain a place in one of these teams.”
The Rolex SailGP Championship welcomes two new nations this weekend – the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team and Red Bull Italy. The largest fleet to date, 11 teams are primed for racing. France will miss the Dubai event, selecting to join the fleet in Auckland (the second event of the season), stepping into the league’s newest F50 catamaran – currently under accelerated development. France will be awarded compensatory points for the Dubai event.
Among the new teams is one historic appointment. Driving for Brazil, Martine Grael will be the first woman to race in the Rolex SailGP Championship. Commenting on the team’s preparations heading into the weekend, Grael said: “We’re doing as much as we can here – going into our eighth day on the water. We’re as prepared as we can be with great learning here so far in Dubai. We’ve been foiling everyday and expecting good racing this weekend.”
Fellow gold medalist Ruggero Tita will drive for the league’s other new nation, the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, while Emirates GBR welcomes Dylan Fletcher back into the driver’s seat. SailGP heavyweights Australia and New Zealand have also found themselves with new talent on the roster after losing foundational team members in a highly-active transfer season. Australia’s Kyle Langford (wing trimmer) and New Zealand’s Andy Maloney (flight controller) have both taken up roles in newly-sold teams, Italy and Brazil, respectively.
While the trans-Tasman rivals have both made experienced appointments – Chris Draper in Australia and Leo Takahashi in New Zealand – three-time SailGP champion Tom Slingsby said the loss of ‘King Kyle’ could not be overlooked.
“For sure it’s tough for us losing Kyle but that’s the way the sport is going,” said Slingsby. “We made offers to keep him and unfortunately for us, he was made better offers and he had to do what’s right for him and his family. Losing a key person like that is going to be tough for our team.”
It all starts tomorrow, with live racing starting at 1400-1530 Gulf Time. Set to be a flagship event on the Middle East sporting calendar, the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, will provide the ultimate blend of sport and spectacle – with close-to-shore stadium racing, and live apres-sail entertainment on both Saturday (Tinie Tempah) and Sunday (Craig David).
Remaining tickets to the event are on sale now at SailGP.com/dubai. Find out how to watch at SailGP.com/watch.
**How will the increased prize money, coupled with the expansion to new teams, potentially shift the balance of power within the Rolex SailGP Championship?**
## World Today News Exclusive Interview: Navigating the High Seas of Change in the Rolex SailGP Championship
**Introduction:**
Welcome to World Today News, where we dive deep into the stories shaping our world. Today, we’re thrilled to be discussing the exhilarating world of SailGP, as the Rolex SailGP Championship kicks off in Dubai. Joining us are two distinguished guests: [Guest 1 Name and Credentials], and [Guest 2 Name and Credentials].
**Section 1: A New Era Dawns with Rolex and Expansion**
* **To [Guest 1], the Rolex SailGP Championship marks a significant evolution for the league. What does this new partnership with Rolex signify for the sport’s future and global recognition?**
* **[Guest 2], SailGP’s commitment to expansion is evident with the addition of two new vibrant teams. How will this increased competition impact the overall dynamics of the championship, and what opportunities does it present for the sport?**
**Section 2: The Stakes are Higher than Ever**
* **Sir Russell Coutts announced a substantial increase in prize money for this season. [Guest 1], how will this raise the stakes for teams and athletes, potentially influencing strategies and performance?**
* **[Guest 2], with the introduction of new teams and a demanding competitive landscape, what are some of the key challenges and adaptations seasoned teams like the ones you’ve experienced might need to make?**
**Section 3: Welcoming New Faces and Talent**
* **Martine Grael makes history as the first woman to compete in the Rolex SailGP Championship. [Guest 1], what does this representation mean for the future of inclusivity and diversity in sailing?**
* **[Guest 2], both the Australian and New Zealand teams have undergone roster changes. How do you see these shifts impacting their dynamic and performance, and what role do established veterans play in guiding new talent?**
**Section 4: Looking Ahead to the Dubai Showdown and Beyond**
* **With the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix kicking off tomorrow, [Guest 1], what are some of the key storylines and rivalries fans should keep an eye on?**
* **[Guest 2], SailGP seamlessly blends electrifying racing with entertainment. How does this approach engage a wider audience and attract new fans to the sport?**
* **Looking beyond Dubai, what are your predictions for key contenders in this expanded and highly competitive Rolex SailGP Championship? **
**Conclusion:**
We’d like to thank our guests, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name], for sharing their insightful perspectives. We’re sure this will be a thrilling season for SailGP, full of exciting racing, new rivalries, and inspiring narratives. For all the latest updates, head to SailGP.com and SailGP.com/watch.
