Breaking barriers and achieving milestones
The 2025 SailGP season marks a pivotal point in the event’s evolution. In a recent interview with Boating New Zealand, Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, shared key updates on the series’ growth, financial stability, and the transformative impact of new talent in the sport.
While the event has grown rapidly since its inception, SailGP has faced questions about its financial sustainability. Addressing these concerns, Coutts revealed that the series had reached its break-even point earlier than anticipated.
“Our goal was to achieve break-even in five seasons. We did it in four,” Coutts explained, noting this achievement was a significant milestone for the competition. “We’re pretty happy about that—as is our co-founder,” he added, referring to Oracle’s Larry Ellison, who has been instrumental in SailGP’s development.
A growing fleet: expanding the SailGP family
SailGP is on track to expand its fleet from 12 teams to 16, with the addition of the 13th and 14th teams already under discussion. Coutts hinted at intense competition for these coveted spots, which reflect the series’ growing global appeal.
“We’ll expand it pretty quickly, I think, to 16 teams and then see how that looks with an 8-and-8 format,” he said.
The format, designed to pit teams in a two-group competition, could enhance the dynamic energy of SailGP while allowing for logistical growth.
Passing the torch: the next generation of sailors
Coutts was particularly passionate when discussing the new generation of athletes rising through the ranks. Highlighting his son’s recent success at the Moth World Championships, where he overcame setbacks—including hitting a shark and damaging his foils—to win a senior single-handed world title, Coutts acknowledged the maturity and resilience of these young sailors.
“It’s great to see these young sailors coming through and leading the new generation,” he said, adding that the top of the sport is increasingly defined by foiling—a skillset these athletes have mastered early in their careers.
Prominent names like Seb Menzies and Jake Pye are part of this new wave, pushing boundaries and setting new standards in high-performance sailing.
Female athletes making waves
Coutts also addressed the evolving role of female sailors in professional sailing, with particular reference to Martine Grael, Brazil’s SailGP driver. Grael has made headlines not only for her exceptional skills on the water but also for her firm stance against being categorised solely by her gender.
“She’s doing an amazing job,” Coutts said. “Professional sports are so different to the amateur environment. When you lose professionally, it’s your job on the line. It’s a whole different mentality.”
Coutts reiterated SailGP’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for female athletes, noting that their talent evaluation programs are designed to focus on performance and ability rather than traditional biases.
“We want to expand that mentality. The best is going to come through, whatever beliefs or gender they have,” he said. “We’ll be expanding our programmes with a dedicated training base and athlete evaluation using data, which will change the game entirely.”
Innovation and resilience
SailGP’s hallmark is its constant drive for innovation, not just in the sport’s technology but in its approach to athlete development and sustainability. Coutts’ insights highlighted the delicate balance of fostering competitiveness while ensuring inclusivity and sustainability.
Looking back on incidents such as the Brazilian team’s collision with an underwater object, Coutts praised the resilience and adaptability required at the sport’s highest level.
“These moments showcase the mental and technical calibre of the athletes. It’s not just about skill—it’s about the mindset to compete professionally.”
A bright future for SailGP
The conversation with Coutts revealed a forward-looking vision for SailGP—one that values inclusivity, embraces technology, and celebrates the talents of a diverse group of athletes. As the event prepares to add new teams and further establish itself as a global competition, Coutts’ leadership continues to focus on the series’ potential to inspire the next generation of sailors.
“The sport is ripe for the new generation. With more opportunities and proper athlete evaluation, we’ll see incredible talent coming through in the years ahead,” he said.
From breaking even financially to fostering the growth of young sailors and expanding the competition to 16 teams, SailGP is well-positioned to remain at the forefront of professional sailing.
