Dubai Sail Grand Prix Presented by P&O Marinas kicks off UAE’s annual sporting calendar when it hits Dubai’s shores November 12-13.
Making its Middle East debut at Mina Rashid, Dubai marks the seventh event in the
purpose-led, global leagues Season 3 calendar, with events having already taken
place in Bermuda, USA, Great Britain, Denmark, France, and Spain; before going to
Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand, ahead of the Season 3 Grand Final in San
Francisco, May 6-7, 2023.
SailGP is the world’s most exciting racing on water. The purpose-led global
championship features nine national teams battling in short, intense races at iconic
stadium-style venues across the globe. The high-tech, high-speed action features
the sport’s best athletes racing in identical hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, flying at
speeds approaching 100 km/h.
Each team races with six athletes: a driver, flight controller, wing trimmer, two
grinders and a strategist, including one female athlete. Each event comprises
qualifying races over the two days and culminates in a three-boat podium race to
crown the event winner. Points are awarded for each event and added to a
cumulative score, where one team is crowned SailGP Champion at the end of the
season – which all boils down to one 12-minute race for $US 1 million.
However, it is not just about the racing on the water. SailGP also awards a second
podium for the planet through its innovative Impact League, which sees a second
champion crowned at the end of the season for the impact they have had.
SailGP is redefining the sport and truly is the most exciting racing on water. It takes
place in a stadium-style environment, with elite athletes racing cutting-edge,
identical, hydro foiling F50s so close to shore that there is a ‘splash risk’ for attendees in the front row! The teams have a couple of days practice to get used to
the new venues and tune their race machines before they go head-to-head over two
days of racing to secure the all-important place in the event final. Only three boats
make it that far, with the winner of the Final race taking home the event title.
Atmosphere in the race village and on the water is electric. In-between the
excitement of the live racing, fans can also visit the Race Village, with family-friendly
activities, live commentary and entertainment as well as a host of food and drink
options.
SailGP is committed to a better future, championing a world powered by nature. Its
ambition is to be the world's most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports and
entertainment platform, championing youth education, inclusivity, and a transition to
clean energy.
SailGP has an Impact League – which tracks the positive actions that competing
teams make to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in
sailing. The second leaderboard – that runs alongside the season championship –
monitors the social and environmental impact of the teams and awards points based
on fulfillment of a set of sustainability criteria. A winner is awarded at each event
as well as for the overall end of season podium and teams win essential prize money
for their purpose partners to continue their vital work.
Dubai Sail Grand Prix Presented by P&O Marinas will take place at Cruise Terminal
2, Mina Rashid, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. There is easy access by car and taxi,
with ample parking available. Shuttles are available within the race area for those
requiring assistance.