Four teams, one title
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, brings a year of racing to its climax on 29–30 November. After eleven events, just four crews remain in mathematical contention: the Black Foils (New Zealand), Emirates GBR, the BONDS Flying Roos (Australia) and Los Gallos (Spain).
Each team has shown brilliance across the globe, but it all comes down to six fleet races across the Arabian Gulf. Points from those races decide which three advance to a single, winner-takes-all final. The first boat across the line claims the Rolex SailGP Championship title and the US $2 million prize.
Kiwi redemption?
For Peter Burling’s Black Foils, Abu Dhabi is a chance to gain the SailGP crown after a patchy mid-season. Tom Slingsby’s Australians remain the benchmark for consistency, while Ben Ainslie’s Emirates GBR and Diego Botín’s Spanish crew have kept the pressure on with podium form. The Spainish were the big prize winners last year – so the top 4 really does represent what (I personally consider) is the top of the top in the SailGP league.
The leaderboard after Cádiz shows how tight it is — just a handful of points separate the top four. Every start, tack and gybe in Abu Dhabi will count.
The spectacle beyond the sailing
True to SailGP tradition, the Grand Final mixes high-performance sport with big-stage entertainment. As the racing wraps up on Saturday 29 November, Olly Murs will perform live at the Race Stadium, backed by a full band and celebrating the release of his new album Knees Up.
On Sunday 30 November, Mark Wright — Heart Radio host and DJ — takes over the decks at Après-Sail presented by Mastercard, ensuring the season ends on a high note.
Boating New Zealand will follow the action as it unfolds — as the world’s best foiling sailors chase championship glory on the glittering waters of Abu Dhabi.
