Peter Burling leads team to third consecutive UAE triumph; Martine Grael makes historic debut for Brazil
The 2025 SailGP season ignited with electrifying action as New Zealand's 'Black Foils,' helmed by Peter Burling, clinched their third consecutive victory in the UAE at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix. Reflecting on the race, Burling remarked, "We pulled out our best sail at the end."
The competition was fierce, with Emirates Great Britain and the United States teams pushing the Kiwis to their limits. Burling acknowledged the challenges, stating,
"I made a bad choice making it a bit more complicated – taking a right turn – which put us right back in the pack but then it was clean, and it was good to race from there to take a win."
Peter Burling
The United States team, led by Taylor Canfield, celebrated their podium finish. Canfield expressed his excitement, saying, "Any event going on the podium is incredible, so it’s awesome to see how all the hard work we have put in is paying off."
Making history in Dubai, Martine Grael took the helm as the first female driver in SailGP, leading the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team. Grael shared her experience, stating,
"There were a lot of challenges. Some during the first day – our first time on the big winds. I think it's all going well and I'm very happy with our crew. We've been trying to improve a lot in the last few days, so it's been a steep learning curve."
Martine Grael
The SailGP fleet now sets its sights on Auckland, New Zealand, for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix on January 18-19, 2025. Burling shared his enthusiasm, commenting, "We’re super excited to get home, the buzz in town is already growing." Tickets are available at SailGP.com/Auckland.
SailGP is a global sailing league featuring national teams competing in identical high-speed F50 catamarans. The championship emphasizes sustainability and innovation, aiming to inspire the next generation of sailors.
For the latest updates, race results, and exclusive content, follow SailGP on social media and visit their official website at SailGP.com.
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