The 2025 Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix kicked off with a disappointing start for all four competing teams. As the championship battles unfolded on Saturday, it became clear that defending champion Spain lagged behind the rest, finishing last on the leaderboard.
Highlighting the Championship Contenders
Three teams are vying for a chance to compete in the Grand Final on Sunday. They are:
- Great Britain
- New Zealand
- Australia
Despite their strong standings, all teams struggled in the light winds, which barely rose above six knots. This hindered their ability to fully utilize their F50 catamarans, designed for high-speed sailing and hydrofoiling.
Conditions and Challenges
The light winds made conditions challenging for competitors. Reducing crew size to just three sailors per team was implemented to maintain a lighter boat weight. This adjustment changed the dynamics at the start line, where many teams struggled to get off cleanly.
Sailors were faced with the task of minimizing ‘H2’ mode, where two hulls skim the water’s surface, and maximizing ‘H1’ mode, where one hull flies above the water. The performance of the fleet hinged on effective maneuvering and exploiting the limited breeze.
Exceptional Performance by Denmark
The Danish team emerged as the standout performers on Saturday, thanks to Nicolai Sehested, who took advantage of a new wing rig. Their results included:
- Two race wins
- One second-place finish
- One third-place finish
Sehested expressed confidence in their performance, stating, “We had good speed all day. The boat was going smoothly with effective trimming.”
New Zealand’s Pete Burling Returns
New Zealand’s skipper Pete Burling made a significant comeback after a recent finger injury. He underwent surgery just three days prior but was able to race. “I never had much doubt I’d be racing,” Burling commented.
Impact of External Factors
External factors also affected the race. Tom Slingsby from Australia pointed out the influence of TV helicopters on the competition. They caused downdrafts during races, complicating the already tricky racing conditions.
Looking Ahead
As the competition progresses into Sunday, two fleet races are scheduled before the top three teams in the overall standings advance to the Grand Final. The ultimate prize is a substantial $2 million. With the stakes high, teams will need to optimize their strategies to improve their standings in the 2025 Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix.
