The Abu Dhabi Grand Final kicked off amid hardly enough breeze to keep a boat afloat. Across four races, the fleet recorded a mere 1.6% foiling time—a telling indicator of the challenging conditions. Much of the afternoon was spent coaxing boats through areas of stillness, all while keeping their bows clear and closely watching for any hint of pressure across the harbor.
While the pace was far from exhilarating, the sailing itself was engrossing. With no altitude to provide cover, each mistake translated directly into lost distance.
SailGP Abu Dhabi Day 1, Race 1: Germany strike first as light winds shake the fleet
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Denmark Sets the Pace
In these sticky circumstances, no team excelled quite like ROCKWOOL Denmark. From the moment the first race began, their composure stood out, and by day’s end, they emerged as the fleet’s standout performers.
Their results for the day:
- Race 1: 3rd
- Race 2: 1st
- Race 3: 1st
- Race 4: 2nd
While many teams struggled with shifting winds and penalizing boundaries, Denmark managed to keep their boat moving steadily, navigating through the challenges with patience and skill.
SailGP Abu Dhabi Day 1, Race 2: Denmark takes control as France hits back
Switzerland and Brazil Keep the Pressure On
Following closely behind, Switzerland enjoyed one of their most successful days this season. They maneuvered smoothly around the marks, avoided protests, and concluded the afternoon with a well-earned victory in Race 4.
Mubadala Brazil also showcased determination. While their performance wasn’t flashy, they consistently secured solid results, deftly avoiding penalties and pitfalls that ensnared others. Their steady approach paid dividends, positioning them favorably for Day Two.
As the dust settled on the first four races, the leaderboard revealed Denmark in the lead, followed by Switzerland and Brazil.
Black Foils Navigate a Tough Day
New Zealand faced a series of challenges throughout the day, struggling to find a clear path. Each race presented setbacks, with Race 3 marred by multiple penalties that left them trailing.
Here’s how New Zealand fared:
- Race 1: 7th
- Race 2: 5th
- Race 3: 11th
- Race 4: 6th
Though it wasn’t the day they hoped for, they showed resilience, a hallmark of the Black Foils. They have a history of executing when the stakes are highest, and they’ll need to call on that instinct again tomorrow.
As it stands, they occupy the eighth spot on the event leaderboard.
SailGP Abu Dhabi Day 1, Race 3: Denmark seals a masterclass in light air
Italy Shows Signs of Life
With Kiwi Phil Robertson at the helm, Red Bull Italy appeared reinvigorated. Their boat handling was sharper than in previous outings, leading them to a commendable fourth-place finish overall. It’s a small but promising sign for a team in need of a boost.
Tomorrow: Same Weather, Higher Stakes
As Sunday approaches, the forecast mirrors that of today—light, intermittent breezes rife with challenges. The natural drifting could overshadow the excitement of flight. However, the stakes are set to rise significantly, surpassing anything seen thus far.
Here’s what lies ahead:
- Three additional fleet races
- The Grand Final of the 2025 season
- A purse of US$2 million for the overall season champion
- US$800,000 up for grabs for the Abu Dhabi event winner alone
SailGP Abu Dhabi Day 1, Race 4: Switzerland handle the pressure as penalties reshape the fleet
With everything on the line and conditions that barely cause a telltale to flutter, just one start or mistake could tip the balance of the season. For now, Denmark holds the edge, while Switzerland and Brazil remain in close pursuit. New Zealand, although further behind, is still in contention if they can string together a clean series of races.
As we look ahead, we’ll discover who walks away with SailGP’s largest cash prize and who is left to ponder what might have been.
