Saint-Tropez has quickly become one of SailGP’s defining venues. Since debuting in Season 2, the French Riviera stop has delivered iconic moments — from the first 29-metre wings in Season 2 to Quentin Delapierre’s record-breaking 99.94 km/h sprint in Season 3. Last season’s drama was even bigger: a mid-race collision between Spain and Canada and the catastrophic collapse of New Zealand’s wing that forced the Black Foils out for the weekend.
That backdrop sets the stage for 2025, when SailGP returns next weekend, on 12–13 September. With the event billed as one of the fastest racecourses in the world, fans can expect high drama once again.
Lessons from 2024
Emirates GBR claimed victory in Saint-Tropez last season, beating Tom Slingsby’s Flying Roos and Spain in the final. France, racing at home, finished a disappointing sixth, while the Black Foils significantly impacted by its wingsail damage, finished in eighth overall.
Season 5 so far
Momentum has been shifting across the fleet. Sassnitz in August saw France, Bonds Flying Roos, and Emirates GBR make the podium in that order, with the Black Foils narrowly missing the final in fourth.
The championship leaderboard, however, is tighter than ever. The Bonds Flying Roos and Black Foils are locked on 61 points, Emirates GBR sit close behind on 58, and Los Gallos (Spain) remain within striking distance on 56.With only three events remaining before the Grand Final, Los Gallos’ proximity on the leaderboard will be making the three teams above them uneasy.
Brazil enters the fray
Adding to the intrigue, Brazil will line up in Saint-Tropez after clearing structural tests on their F50. Russell Coutts confirmed the news on social media with characteristic enthusiasm: “Confirmed… Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will start in Saint-Tropez. With structural testing complete, the boat is right now being loaded into the truck. An incredible effort by the entire team at SailGP Technologies! Vai Brazil!!!”
Led by Olympic champion Martine Grael, the Brazilian squad brings fresh energy and a powerful crew list including Andy Maloney and Leigh McMillan. Their debut adds a new wildcard to the fleet.
Crews revealed
The official team line-ups have now been confirmed. Among the highlights: Dylan Fletcher continues to helm Emirates GBR with Hannah Mills as strategist; Slingsby’s Roos feature the core of Draper, Waterhouse, and Bryant; Spain stick with Diego Botin and Joan Cardona; and the Black Foils once again put their trust in Peter Burling, Liv Mackay, Blair Tuke, and Leo Takahashi, supported by a strong Kiwi grinder unit.
France will look to home support to lift them with Quentin Delapierre on the wheel, while Germany, Red Bull Italy, Switzerland, the United States, and returning Brazil complete a stacked 10-boat fleet.
What to expect on the water
The current Côte d’Azur forecast points to sunny skies, with light to moderate breezes and shifting winds that will keep flight controllers busy. The two-day schedule runs from 1.30–3pm CEST (23:30-01:00 NZT) on Friday and 12.30–2pm (22:30-12 midnight NZT) on Saturday, with qualifying races setting up the top three for the final shootout.
Fans should watch for:
- A heavyweight showdown between the Roos and GBR, carrying their Sassnitz rivalry forward.
- Spain’s push to defend last year’s podium place.
- The Black Foils’ fight to prove they have earned their place at the top of the championship leaderboard.
- Brazil’s debut in Saint-Tropez; Brazil are fast finding their flair which could upset the established order.
A pivotal weekend
Saint-Tropez has always been about speed, spectacle, and high stakes. With the points table tighter than ever, Brazil’s arrival on the start line, and the Black Foils out to bury last season’s disappointment, the 2025 edition promises to be one of SailGP’s most compelling stops yet.
