Craig David also lit up the Waterfront Premium Lounge by Nikki Beach with his acclaimed TS5 set
Dubai’s Port Rashid set the stage for an electrifying start to the Rolex SailGP Championship’s 2025 season, blending high-stakes racing with unforgettable entertainment.
For the first time, the city hosted SailGP’s opening event, drawing a vibrant crowd and showcasing the UAE’s growing prominence in the world of sailing.
The season will culminate in Abu Dhabi next November, promising another dazzling spectacle in the Middle East.
Racing action: New Zealand’s hat-trick triumph
The weekend’s highlight came as Peter Burling’s New Zealand ‘Black Foils’ crew stormed to their third consecutive win in the UAE, claiming victory at the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix
In a thrilling final, the Kiwi team surged ahead of Emirates Great Britain and U.S. SailGP, with the lead changing hands multiple times.
Star-studded entertainment: Craig David and Tinie Tempah shine
Adding to the weekend’s sparkle, Craig David lit up the Waterfront Premium Lounge by Nikki Beach with his acclaimed TS5 set, closing the event in sensational style.
Fans were treated to an energetic mix of his greatest hits, cementing the perfect end to a memorable weekend.
On Saturday, the stage belonged to Tinie Tempah, whose electrifying performance set the tone for the weekend’s festivities.
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A global sailing spectacle
The event also welcomed new teams Red Bull Italy and Mubadala Brazil, adding fresh competition to the mix. Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, expressed his excitement:
“We couldn’t have asked for a better day of racing for Championship Sunday in Dubai. An enormous congratulations to New Zealand and to our new teams competing for the first time. To our fans and partners in the UA; thank you for your incredible support.”
The countdown is already on for the grand finale in Abu Dhabi, where the 2025 Rolex SailGP Championship will crown its ultimate champion.
What’s next?
With the season opener setting the bar sky-high, fans now look forward to the next stop in Auckland, where the thrill of SailGP promises to continue.
Dubai’s debut as host was nothing short of spectacular; world-class racing, unforgettable music, and a vibrant atmosphere made this a weekend to remember.
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