ABU DHABI: Emirates GBR have been crowned champions of the 2025 Rolex SailGP following a thrilling finale at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final.
The British saw off their fiercest rivals from the season to take their first ever championship in the event, organized by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
Dylan Fletcher’s team clawed their way back from third place to overhaul the BONDS Flying Roos and the Black Foils on the fourth leg of the shootout, becoming only the third team to win a SailGP title. They collect a $2 million prize pot, along with an extra $400,000 for finishing the season with the most points.
“It was an unbelievable final,” said Fletcher, who has enjoyed a successful return to SailGP after rejoining Emirates GBR for 2025.
“All the three teams were amazing, any one of us could have won, but I’m just over the moon right now. What a team, what a year… I’m stoked.”
Emirates GBR also become the first team in SailGP history to complete a clean triple sweep by winning the 2025 Season Grand Final, topping the season standings and winning the Impact League.
In total this season the team has pocketed $4.4 million in prize money, with the Black Foils claiming $1.76 million and the BONDS Flying Roos $1.2 million.
All three teams started the final following less-than-impressive performances in the fleet races. Emirates GBR finished sixth, the Black Foils in ninth and the BONDS Flying Roos in 11th — but it was enough to guarantee the three SailGP giants their place on the start line.
A late charge from Season 4 champions Los Gallos threatened to upset the Aussies’ hopes of a shot at a fourth championship title, but it proved too little too late for Diego Botin’s Spanish team.
A flying start for Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos gave them an early lead, although disaster struck as they dropped off their foils, allowing the Black Foils and Emirates GBR to overtake.
Peter Burling’s Kiwi outfit then built out a 200m advantage and looked set to hold off their rivals. Dylan Fletcher, however, had other ideas.
Opting for the opposite gate on the final upwind leg proved to be a moment of tactical inspiration for Emirates GBR as they set off towards the finish line with an unassailable lead.
The BONDS Flying Roos pipped the Black Foils to second place, but both teams were left licking their wounds and must now focus on the 2026 Season.
Slingsby said: “I’m incredibly proud of this team — it’s an honor to sail with everyone. We’ve got an amazing group of people. It’s been a season of highs and lows but there’s a lot to be happy about. Obviously, I’m focused on the one thing we didn’t get — a win — but we’ll come back next year.”
Black Foils driver Burling was equally gracious in defeat.
“We went out and executed the start that we wanted but obviously that one mistake at the top mark gave the British a massive jump,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a case of ‘what could have been’, there’s a bit of frustration our end, but we have to be proud of the race and season we put together. We’re definitely all hurting now, and that’s the exact feeling you want in these situations. We’re excited for next season.”
The 2026 SailGP season kicks off in Perth, Australia, on Jan. 17-18.
