Emirates GBR have claimed the ultimate prize on the Arabian Gulf, sealing the 2025 Rolex SailGP Championship after a dramatic showdown at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
In a finale defined by relentless pressure and razor-sharp execution, the British crew rose above their rivals, outmanoeuvring the league’s top contenders to secure their first championship title in electrifying fashion.
The atmosphere erupted as spectators witnessed history unfold, with the British colours flying proudly as Emirates GBR etched their name into SailGP’s list of champions.
Dylan Fletcher’s crew fought their way back from third place, reeling in both the BONDS Flying Roos and the Black Foils on the crucial fourth leg of the final, winner-takes-all decider.
Their victory now makes them just the third team ever to lift the SailGP title, securing the USD $2 million winners’ purse, along with an extra USD $400k for topping the season leaderboard.
“It was an unbelievable final,” said Fletcher, marking his exceptional return to the league after rejoining Emirates GBR for the 2025 season.
“All the three teams were amazing, any one of us could have won, but I’m just over the moon right now. What a team, what a year… I’m stoked.”
Emirates GBR have also become the first team in SailGP history to complete a full clean sweep, triumphing in the Grand Final, finishing first in the season standings and taking top spot in the Impact League.
Their dominant season delivered a total prize haul of USD $4.4 million, with the Black Foils earning USD $1.76m and the BONDS Flying Roos securing USD $1.2 million.
All three finalists advanced despite underwhelming performances in the six fleet races, with Emirates GBR placing sixth, the Black Foils ninth and the BONDS Flying Roos 11th – but each did enough to book their place in the final showdown.
A late surge from Season 4 champions Los Gallos threatened to derail the Australians’ hopes for a fourth title shot, but Diego Botin’s Spanish crew ultimately ran out of time.
Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos launched impressively, seizing an early lead, but a costly drop off the foils opened the door for both Emirates GBR and the Black Foils to surge past.
Peter Burling’s Kiwis then created a 200m buffer and appeared set to retain control – until a decisive tactical call from Fletcher reshaped the race.
Choosing the opposite gate on the last upwind leg proved inspired, allowing Emirates GBR to charge toward the finish with an advantage no rival could cut down.
The BONDS Flying Roos edged the Black Foils for second, leaving both teams to regroup as preparations shift toward the 2026 campaign.
Slingsby reflected: “I’m incredibly proud of this team – it’s an honour to sail with everyone. We’ve got an amazing group of people. It’s been a season of highs and lows but there’s a lot to be happy about. Obviously I’m focused on the one thing we didn’t get – a win – but we’ll come back next year.”
Black Foils driver Burling echoed that sentiment.
“We went out and executed the start that we wanted but obviously that one mistake at the top mark gave the British a massive jump,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a case of ‘what could have been’, there’s a bit of frustration our end, but we have to be proud of the race and season we put together.
“We’re definitely all hurting now, and that’s the exact feeling you want in these situations. We’re excited for next season.”
With the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final now complete, SailGP’s 2025 calendar officially closes – but fans won’t have long to wait, as the 2026 season begins in Perth, Australia on January 17–18.