Fletcher’s crew stay sharp as Australia press hard and New Zealand run out of breeze
The 2025 SailGP season ended under warm Abu Dhabi skies with a Grand Final that finally delivered some proper breeze after two slow days. With only three boats left on the track — Great Britain, Australia and New Zealand — everything hinged on one clean start and a bit of luck with the shifts. Great Britain handled both better than anyone and walked away with the title and the two-million-dollar prize.
Australia jump first
Australia were quickest to get settled. Slingsby’s crew crossed the start with pace, climbed straight onto the foils and rounded Mark One ahead. New Zealand and Great Britain followed in close order, both up and flying, and for the opening minutes the race had the feel of a proper three-way.
Across the first reach Australia looked comfortable enough, but the margins in these finals are tiny. One patch of lighter pressure was all it took for the race to reshuffle.
New Zealand make their move
Upwind, New Zealand found a stronger line and slipped past Australia with a tidy tack that kept their speed alive. For a short time New Zealand held the best breeze on the course and edged out to a small lead. It wasn’t decisive, and it didn’t last, but it showed again how dangerous they are when the boat is in its groove.
While those two traded lanes, Great Britain sat just far enough away from the scrap to pick their own moments.
The shift that settled the race
The race turned at the top gate. A breeze shift rolled across the course from the left, and Great Britain were the only boat positioned to take the full benefit. Fletcher rounded with speed, stayed high in pressure, and suddenly had a length or two that neither rival could claw back.
New Zealand and Australia were left slow at the turn, fighting to get back onto the foils. By the time they did, GBR were gone.
Australia chase, New Zealand hang on
Australia pushed hard through the final downwind, trying to draw Great Britain into a split, but the British boat kept its line and its height. They simply didn’t leave the door open.
Further back, New Zealand were trying to defend second, but the Aussies caught a better lane late in the leg and slipped past before the final reach. It was enough to decide the order.
Great Britain crossed first, Australia second, and New Zealand third — not the ending the Black Foils were aiming for, but given the patchy breeze all weekend, they were still in the fight the whole way.
A clear and deserved win
Emirates GBR earned this one. No drama, no rash calls, just tidy boat handling and a willingness to wait for the right shifts instead of forcing them. When the opportunity came, they were the only team ready to take it.
After several seasons of being in the mix, the British crew finally leave with the title — and a significantly heavier bank account.
Congratulations to Emirates GBR for winning the Season 5 SailGP Championship. Well done to Australia and New Zealand for joining Emirates GBR in the final.
And that makes the end of SailGP Season 5.
