“Embark on a Global Adventure with $5 Million Boats and Worldwide Courses: Dive into the ‘Fastest Race on Water'”

New Zealand’s sleek black catamaran gracefully balances on the side of one hull, effortlessly gliding over the finish line at Zayed Port in Abu Dhabi. The 29-meter-long carbon fiber wing, caught in the sea breeze, propels the vessel to victory, marking the Kiwis’ second triumph in the Persian Gulf within weeks. This isn’t Formula One, the typical association with race weekends in Abu Dhabi; instead, it’s the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, the latest addition to the global 13-race SailGP calendar.

Presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, the event promises two days of adrenaline-fueled racing, with crews competing to accumulate points in a winner-takes-all format. SailGP’s chief, Russell Coutts, a sailing icon and five-time America’s Cup winner, aims to captivate new audiences with the spectacle of enormous F50 catamarans reaching speeds of nearly 100 km/h (62m/h).

Coutts emphasizes the high-tech nature of the sport, with the F50 catamarans sending 300,000 data points every second through 5G routers, allowing teams to analyze their movements in real time. The boats, costing around $5 million each, are a significant investment, but SailGP is determined to expand its fanbase and ensure the sport’s survival.

While a record 1.78 million viewers in the United States tuned in for the Spain leg of the championship, Coutts acknowledges the need for continuous growth and attracting new audiences. The latest team sale reportedly reached $35 million, well above a $40 million valuation, showcasing the increasing value and interest in SailGP.

SailGP doesn’t just focus on speed; it aims to provide a complete entertainment package. Coutts introduces elements like English pop group Take That headlining in Abu Dhabi, breaking down elitist barriers and making the sport more accessible. The racing format is designed for a 90-minute broadcast window, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for viewers.

Beyond the excitement of the races, SailGP is committed to sustainability. The F50 catamarans, which can fly over water, represent a fusion of sailing and flying. Coutts acknowledges the environmental impact of the sport, and efforts are underway to reduce the series’ carbon footprint, emphasizing remote solutions for television production and race management.

To further promote sustainability, SailGP has established an Impact League, where teams earn points based on their sustainability and inclusivity efforts. The league aims to support young participants in the sport, fostering a cleaner environment, a smaller carbon footprint, and the use of renewable energy sources.

Abu Dhabi’s maritime heritage adds a cultural touch to the event, aligning with Mubadala’s ambitions to attract the younger generation to sailing and make the sport more inclusive. The partnership between Mubadala and SailGP extends beyond the race, involving programs like SailGP’s Inspire initiative, engaging nearly 16,000 participants globally.

While SailGP works towards inclusivity, there’s a focus on the Women’s Pathway program to encourage female participation. Despite the current absence of female drivers, Coutts envisions having a woman capable of winning the league in the near future.

As the New Zealand team dominates the leaderboard, SailGP continues to navigate the challenges of attracting larger audiences and lowering its carbon footprint. The sport’s pioneers, both on water and on land, remain committed to the vision of creating a thriving and environmentally conscious global sailing series.