All To Play For As SailGP Season Finale Heads To Abu Dhabis Mina Zayed

Mina Zayed will be turned into the ultimate battleground where a year’s worth of racing culminates in one winner-takes-all race.

After 11 races through the year, 12 national teams will descend on the UAE capital for the season finale on Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30. Only four teams have a mathematical chance to advance to the winner-takes-all Grand Final race.

Emirates GBR lead the Championship by just three points over New Zealand Black Foils, with Australia’s BONDS Flying Roos five points behind and Spain’s Los Gallos still in mathematical contention. Only these four teams can advance to the Grand Final race.

The championship format has two days of fleet racing, which determines the top three teams in the overall standings. Those three will then face off in a single, winner-takes-all Grand Final race where the champion claims the SailGP season trophy and US$2 million prize – the largest in the sport.

Emirates GBR driver Dylan Fletcher, an Olympic champion, said: “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.”

“Our mathematical chances are quite low,” admits Los Gallos driver Diego Botín, whose Spanish team sits fourth overall, but has won two of the three finals that they have featured in. “But in this sport, you can create your own chances. We’re exploring every way possible to maximise them.”

“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 challenges that the teams face in Abu Dhabi are unique. The tight, inshore racecourse at Mina Zayed is expected to deliver light and tricky conditions, creating additional drama and opportunity for strategic racing. Teams will race with a new 27.5m wing specifically designed for the lighter Arabian Gulf winds.

On the wings, Fletcher said: “The new wing is going to make a big difference, especially in light winds. Starts will be crucial, overtaking opportunities will be there, and the small start box adds another layer of strategy. It’s about adapting quickly, learning fast and putting all of that together on race day.”

While the action will be intense on water, the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final also delivers an unmissable entertainment experience.

On Saturday, globally recognised platinum-selling pop sensation Olly Murs will headline the evening’s entertainment. Known for his infectious energy and decade of chart-topping hits, Olly – backed by a full band – will perform hits including ‘Troublemaker’ and ‘Dance With Me Tonight’.

On Sunday, November 30, popular Heart presenter, TV personality and DJ Mark Wright will take over the decks.