The Sail Grand Prix (SailGP) 2025 season will reach an electrifying conclusion with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, serving as the final event of the campaign.

Mina Zayed in Abu Dhabi will transform into a dramatic stage where an entire year of intense competition comes down to a decisive, winner-takes-all race. Across 11 events throughout the season, twelve national teams have battled for supremacy; now, they will converge in the UAE capital on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 for the much-anticipated finale. However, only four squads remain mathematically capable of progressing to the high-stakes Grand Final race.

Emirates GBR currently tops the leaderboard with a slender three-point advantage over New Zealand Black Foils. Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos trail by five points, while Spain’s Los Gallos remain in distant but possible contention. These are the only four teams with a chance to reach and contest the climactic Grand Final showdown.

This year’s championship structure features two days of fleet racing that determine which three crews advance to the Grand Final. Those top three competitors then face off in a single dramatic race: winner takes all. The champion earns not just bragging rights and the prestigious SailGP season trophy but also claims a US$2 million prize-the most lucrative in sailing.

Olympic gold medalist Dylan Fletcher, driver for Emirates GBR, expressed his excitement about what lies ahead: “It’s exciting to think that potentially the last three 49er gold medalists could be fighting it out in Abu Dhabi. It’s going to be a real test of sailor versus sailor.”

Spanish skipper Diego Botín acknowledged his team Los Gallos faces long odds from fourth place overall but drew optimism from their previous performances: “Our mathematical chances are quite low,” he admitted. “But in this sport, you can create your own chances. We’re exploring every way possible to maximise them.” Botín added, “We feel quite good in Finals. I don’t know exactly why, but somehow when we’re in that position we’re super strong. The key for us is to be more consistent so we can make more of them.”

The finale at Mina Zayed brings its own set of challenges. The tight inshore course promises light and variable winds characteristic of Abu Dhabi’s Arabian Gulf coastline-a combination likely to demand acute tactical prowess from each crew. This year also introduces a newly designed 27.5-meter wing tailored specifically for lighter wind conditions expected during these races.

Discussing this new innovation, Fletcher noted: “The new wing is going to make a big difference, especially in light winds. Starts will be crucial; overtaking opportunities will be there; and with a small start box there is another layer of strategy involved. It’s about adapting quickly, learning fast and putting all that together come race day.”

Kicking off Saturday evening’s festivities is platinum-selling pop artist Olly Murs who will headline with an energetic live performance featuring hits like ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Dance With Me Tonight’. On Sunday night, popular Heart radio presenter and television personality Mark Wright will take over DJ duties to close out the grand finale experience.