The race, which opened Day Two in New York, saw Brazil edge past event favourites Spain in challenging, shifty conditions. That alone was a triumph for a team still finding its rhythm in the global league, but the symbolism of the win stretched far beyond the finish line.
Grael, a two-time Olympic champion, has been steadily carving a path as the first female driver in the high-octane world of SailGP—a role long considered too strategically and physically demanding for women by many within the sport. But with this win, Grael and her crew have delivered a definitive answer to any lingering scepticism.
“This week was very good for the performance of our team,” said Grael following the event. “We’re getting more corner vision now and seeing more on the racecourse—it’s not just about handling the boat anymore.” The victory, she added, came down to sharp strategy in “erratic” conditions, where tactical awareness opened up crucial passing opportunities.
Brazil’s campaign in New York followed a string of results that placed the team toward the back of the pack—10th after Dubai, 9th in Auckland, and 11th in Los Angeles. A second-place finish in Fleet Race 2 on Day One hinted at their growing cohesion, and by the end of the sixth race, they sat fourth overall—agonisingly short of a Final berth but miles ahead in morale.
“On the last bottom gate rounding, we knew Spain was our guy to beat, and they were just a little ahead,” Grael admitted.
Spain would go on to win the Final, but Brazil’s showing was enough to make the rest of the fleet sit up and take notice.
The historic nature of the moment was not lost on observers. Olympic silver medallist and SailGP correspondent Lisa Darmanin called it “a massive moment for women in sailing,” adding,
“There’s no excuse now. We’ve seen it happen—women can lead, and they can win.”
Since SailGP mandated the inclusion of female crew members in 2021, women have primarily filled strategist roles—important, but often seen as advisory rather than decisive. Brazil changed that dynamic from the outset of the 2024–2025 season by naming Grael as their driver—the tactical and emotional heart of the team. That choice now looks visionary.
This isn’t the first boundary Grael has pushed. Earlier in the season, she made headlines not just for her helm position, but also for her advocacy off the water. At a SailGP event in Auckland, she joined discussions around gender equity and athlete support systems, including during parenthood. Her framing of so-called “challenges” as unique strengths added depth to her growing reputation as a transformative figure in the sport.
Grael’s leadership doesn’t just represent one woman’s ascent; it’s a spotlight on what can be achieved when teams are willing to invest in capability over tradition. The Brazil team’s decision to centre their campaign around Grael has already delivered dividends—and not just in terms of points on the board.
As the league heads into the European leg of the season, Brazil sits 10th overall in the Championship standings; but will their New York upward trajectory and increased racecourse awareness suggest they are far from done.
For Brazil, the win is a long-overdue payoff for their persistence. For SailGP, it’s a landmark. And for women in elite sailing, it’s a turning tide.
