The confirmed roster includes nine teams, featuring two new entrants. Brazil, which was announced earlier this year, and an Italian team potentially led by SailGP veteran Jimmy Spithill, will make their debut on the global stage. Established contenders like Australia, Canada, ROCKWOOL Denmark, Emirates GBR, Germany, the United States, and Switzerland will also be competing.
Canada’s position in the league was secured earlier this year through a private sale of the team to biotech entrepreneur Dr. Greg Bailey, ensuring the team’s place on the start line in Dubai.
Yet, the big question remains: which team will miss out on the season opener? With only 11 boats available and three teams — New Zealand, France, and Spain — vying for the remaining two F50s, one will be sidelined for the Dubai event.
SailGP is currently fast-tracking the construction of its 12th F50, which incorporates components from the AC50 used by Team New Zealand during the 35th America’s Cup in Bermuda. The new boat is being built at SailGP Technologies in Southampton, UK, and New Zealand, but will not be completed in time for the first event of the season.
The team that misses the opener in Dubai will be awarded compensatory points and will rejoin the fleet for the Auckland event in January 2025. Further details regarding the team’s return and the distribution of points will be announced soon.
The excitement builds as SailGP prepares to launch another thrilling season, with the Dubai event setting the stage for a high-stakes, fast-paced competition among the world’s best sailors.
