Embarking on the Ultimate Water Racing Adventure: Discover the World’s Fastest Race on $5 Million Boats and Global Courses.
Balancing gracefully on a single hull, the black catamaran from New Zealand cruises over the finish line at Zayed Port, its 29-meter carbon fiber wing cutting through the sea breeze. The grandstand, filled with thousands of spectators, erupts in cheers as the Kiwis secure their second victory in the Persian Gulf within weeks. While Formula One typically dominates race weekends in Abu Dhabi, a new sport has emerged – SailGP.
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, a recent addition to the global 13-race calendar, promises two days of adrenaline-fueled racing, where crews compete for valuable points accumulated from events in cities like San Francisco and Sydney. Russell Coutts, Sail GP’s chief and a renowned figure in sailing, envisions a better racing experience and increased entertainment value for fans.
The star attractions are the massive F50 catamarans, reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h, with 5G routers transmitting 300,000 data points per second for real-time analysis. Despite their impressive performance, these vessels come at a hefty cost of around $5 million each, not including the additional millions required for team management and logistics.
Coutts acknowledges the need for expanding the audience base to ensure the sport’s survival. While the United States recorded a viewership high of 1.78 million for the Spain leg, Coutts emphasizes the importance of continuous growth and attracting new audiences. The latest team was sold for a staggering $35 million, underscoring the increasing value of SailGP.
Beyond the thrill of the races, Coutts is committed to breaking down elitist barriers, introducing diverse forms of entertainment, and making the sport accessible to a wider audience. English pop group Take That headlined the Abu Dhabi event, adding a new dimension to the overall experience.
The F50 catamarans, with their ability to fly on foils, represent a revolutionary aspect of sailing. However, environmental concerns arise, with the series’ carbon footprint being a significant challenge. Coutts addresses this by implementing remote technologies for television production and race management, reducing the need for extensive travel.
In a bid for sustainability, Coutts introduces the Impact League, awarding points based on sustainability and inclusivity efforts. SailGP’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Abu Dhabi’s rich maritime heritage, emphasizing the importance of environmental responsibility.
Partnering with Mubadala, a significant Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund, SailGP aims not only to host high-profile sporting events but also to engage the younger generation in sailing. Mubadala’s Deputy CEO, Homaid Al Shimmari, sees the event as an opportunity to blend modern racing with cultural heritage, making sailing more inclusive and appealing to the youth.
The SailGP Inspire program, supported by Mubadala, aims to bring young participants into the sport, focusing on STEM education and promoting inclusivity. While the sport historically leans male-dominated, SailGP strives for inclusivity through its Women’s Pathway program, aiming to have a woman driver capable of winning the league in the future.
As the series progresses, challenges persist, including attracting larger audiences and minimizing the environmental impact. With its ambitious goals and commitment to inclusivity and sustainability, SailGP is setting sail into uncharted waters, hoping to make a lasting impact on the world of sailing.
