Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality
By — Front Office Sports
Posted — December 5, 2024
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SailGP, the most exciting racing on water, is continuing to make waves in the world of high-performance sailing. Since its inception in 2018, SailGP has transformed sailing into a spectacle, captivating audiences with its 50-foot foiling catamarans that cut through the water at speeds exceeding 60 mph.
Last season, SailGP events were broadcast in 212 territories, with the league’s dedicated global broadcast audience increasing by 48%, reaching 200 million viewers. The U.S. market saw the highest broadcast audience for a sailing event in 30 years, with 1.78 million viewers tuning into the Spain Sail Grand Prix on CBS—marking the most-watched sailing race in the U.S. since 1992. This massive reach, combined with the league’s dedication to sustainability and inclusion, positions SailGP as a leader in both sports and purpose-driven initiatives.
The 2025 season kicked off in Dubai last month on the heels of announcing Rolex as the global championship’s first-ever title partner The landmark 10-season partnership highlights SailGP’s massive growth and coming of age. U.S. fans will be able to watch all the racing this season on CBS Sports' platforms. This season is SailGP’s most expansive yet, with races spanning five continents and introducing new venues in Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and New Zealand. In the U.S., SailGP fans will have a chance to experience this high-octane action at prime locations including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and New York.
While SailGP’s innovative format and global reach are transforming sailing into a mainstream spectacle, the league is also breaking ground in an area less visible, but equally important: gender equality.
SailGP’s Women’s Performance Program, a cornerstone of its Better Sport initiative, is designed to break down traditional barriers, showcase female talent, and actively create new opportunities for women to rise to the highest levels in high-performance sailing both on and off the water.
The program includes Anna Weis, a member of the U.S. SailGP Team and a Tokyo Olympian, and Brazilian sailor Martine Grael. A two-time Olympic champion, Grael made history as SailGP’s first female driver in Dubai, leading the Brazilian team.
“As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, I’ve learned that embracing challenges and staying true to yourself is key to success,” Weis said. “My goal is to continue to push myself, and I hope to inspire young women to remain confident in their abilities, stay in sports, and never shy away from pursuing their dreams no matter how tough the journey may seem.”
To elevate its commitment to gender equality at the first event of the 2025 season last month, SailGP collaborated with DP World on a milestone event – the most impactful women’s development camp to date, which included two full days of women’s only training and practice racing in Dubai.
Anna Weis, U.S. SailGP Team Member
Martine Grael, Brazil SailGP Team Member
This camp marks an important step forward in SailGP’s commitment to achieving greater gender equity in the sport. It’s inspiring to witness accomplished athletes coming together and driving this movement of change.
Fiona Morgan, SailGP Chief Purpose Officer
Launched as part of a five-year vision to promote social inclusion within the sport, SailGP has set an ambitious goal: to include at least two female athletes in key positions on each race crew.
So far, the progress has already been noteworthy. Last season, 37 female athletes competed in SailGP events, up from just 15 a few years ago.
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, I’ve learned that embracing challenges and staying true to yourself is key to success
Anna Weis, U.S. SailGP Team Member
“The SailGP Women’s Performance Camp, delivered by DP World, was the perfect way to kick off the 2025 season, bringing fresh energy and momentum to our vision of changing the face of sailing,” said SailGP Chief Purpose Officer Fiona Morgan. “This camp marks an important step forward in SailGP’s commitment to achieving greater gender equity in the sport. It’s inspiring to witness accomplished athletes coming together and driving this movement of change.” Throughout the season, SailGP will also increase training and racing opportunities for female athletes, focusing on developing skills in foiling and driving—key techniques for high-performance racing that will help close the ability gap for certain positions on the boat. SailGP’s commitment to diversity is not just about numbers or optics; it’s about rewriting the narrative of what’s possible for women in high-performance sports.
As SailGP continues to blaze a trail on the water, its legacy may ultimately be defined by its influence off the water—by empowering female athletes and setting a standard that racing and other sports can follow in the years to come.
Learn More about SailGP today.
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