Sailing has always been a niche sport, with limited public interest outside of major events like the Olympics. However, the SailGP Championship is changing the game by making sailboat racing thrilling, entertaining, and accessible to a wider audience. The championship features high-speed races between 12 national teams on identical F50 catamarans, creating close competition and intense action.
Each season of SailGP takes teams to 13 venues around the world, including cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Abu Dhabi. The boats used in the championship, the F50s, are lightweight carbon-fiber catamarans that use hydrofoils to lift the boat above the water, reaching speeds of over 60mph. The F50s are designed for maximum efficiency and performance, with all boats being identical to keep competition tight.
The SailGP Championship was founded by American billionaire Larry Ellison and New Zealand sailing legend Russell Coutts, with the aim of creating a commercially viable and self-sustaining sailboat racing circuit. The championship format is similar to Formula 1, with teams competing in multiple races over a weekend to earn a spot in the winner-takes-all final race.
The crews on board each F50 play vital roles in the team’s success, with positions like grinders, wing trimmers, flight controllers, strategists, and drivers all working together to navigate the course and maximize speed. Success in SailGP requires skill, strategy, and split-second decision-making, making it a thrilling and dynamic sport to watch.
The remaining 2025 SailGP calendar includes events in cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, Rio de Janeiro, and Abu Dhabi, giving fans around the world the chance to witness the excitement of sailboat racing. Viewers can watch the races live on broadcast partners or through the official SailGP app and social media channels.
SailGP is revolutionizing the world of sailboat racing, bringing the excitement and intensity of the sport to a global audience. With high-speed races, cutting-edge technology, and world-class athletes, SailGP is redefining what it means to watch sailing as a spectator sport.
