Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team Triumphs in Saint-Tropez
The event was billed as one of the highlights of the Rolex SailGP Championship, and it did not disappoint. Racing unfolded in classic Saint-Tropez fashion: turquoise waters, glittering sunshine, and a breeze that built into a cauldron of unpredictability.
Mistral Mayhem on Day One
Twelve international teams lined up with their 18-metre wingsails, foils and rudders primed, but it was the breeze that stole the show. With gusts spiralling across the bay and a steep sea state, crews were forced into split-second decisions. The result? A day of dramatic comebacks, start-line scrambles, and four different race winners from four fleet races.
Dylan Fletcher admitted surprise at ending the day on top.
“It was very shifty – quite an interesting one to come out on top, as I’m not sure we had the best day out there,” he said. “But when you’re powered up on those wings in Saint-Tropez, it doesn’t get any better.”
Red Bull Italy Claim Breakthrough Win
The roar of the crowd intensified when Red Bull Italy SailGP Team finally hit their stride. Driver Ruggero Tita guided the fleet’s newest squad to their first-ever SailGP race win, bouncing back after a technical failure forced them to retire from the opener.
“We are super happy. The team did a great job – we can be proud of that race,” Tita said, grinning as fans onshore cheered. “To do it here, with the Mistral blowing, was really special.”
Highs, Lows, and Flying Roos
For the league’s powerhouses, consistency was elusive. Tom Slingsby’s BONDS Flying Roos surged to a commanding victory in race one, only to fall to 11th in race two. NorthStar Canada led race two from start to near finish, before the Black Foils of New Zealand stole it at the death. Moments later, Canada slipped to 11th in race three.
In the final fleet race, the spectacle went up a notch. Germany’s F50 lit up the speed gun at 97 km/h, while France’s Quentin Delapierre diced aggressively on the start line. Ultimately, it was Emirates GBR again flying high, clocking 100% flight time to cap the day with another win.
Delapierre admitted the chaos:
“The last start was strange – everyone expected a left shift, and it went fully right. The whole day was like that. Not a disaster, but not good enough either.”
Celebrity on the Water
As if the racing wasn’t enough, the shoreline played host to a who’s who of sport and celebrity. Formula 1 star Valtteri Bottas strapped in for the fastest sixth-sailor ride in SailGP history, hitting top speeds alongside Nicolai Sehested on ROCKWOOL Denmark’s F50.
“That was intense!” Bottas laughed afterwards. “I’ve got even more respect for these sailors now – everything happens so fast. The team comms are next-level, that’s how they survive at these speeds.”
Day Two Cancelled – Emirates GBR Crowned Winners
Thunderstorms forecast for day two forced organisers to cancel racing, much to the disappointment of fans. But with the leaderboard standing, Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team were crowned event winners for the second consecutive time in Saint-Tropez (the last in Season 4, 2023).
1st – Emirates GBR (10 points)
2nd – Black Foils, New Zealand (9 points)
3rd – Spain SailGP Team (8 points)
Fletcher was upbeat:
“We’re stoked to win again in Saint-Tropez. Yesterday was incredible – tough but so rewarding. We’ll take this momentum to Geneva, which promises to be another amazing event.”
Team strategist Hannah Mills added:
“Anything can happen in the last three events. To be in the mix is all we hoped for – but we’re gutted for the fans who missed today’s racing.”
Championship Picture
With just two events left before the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi, the title race is heating up.
New Zealand (Black Foils) – 70 pts
Emirates GBR – 69 pts
BONDS Flying Roos – 67 pts
Spain – 64 pts
France – 55 pts
NorthStar Canada – 53 pts
Quentin Delapierre was philosophical about France’s sixth place:
“It’s frustrating not to show more for our home fans. But congratulations to Emirates GBR – and thanks to everyone who brought the energy here in Saint-Tropez.”
Next Stop: Switzerland
The circus now rolls inland for a historic first – the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix on Lake Geneva. Switzerland’s national team will compete on home waters for the first time, with a sell-out lakeside race stadium expected.
From the Riviera to the Alps, and soon to the desert showdown in Abu Dhabi, the Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 is heading for a dramatic crescendo.