The global foiling circuit reaches its dramatic climax in Abu Dhabi: the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Season 2025 Grand Final, taking place on November 29–30. After a full season of blistering speed, high-stakes racing and razor-tight margins, the world’s best foiling catamarans converge for the single weekend that will determine the champion — and claim the US $2 million prize.
Format That Leaves Nothing to Chance
Over two days of fleet racing, all twelve national teams fight for positioning. At the end of day 2, the top three teams advance to one decisive, winner-takes-all final race. Whatever the season’s narrative so far, it comes down to one moment: the winner of that final race at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Grand Final becomes the season-champion.
Drivers Speak: Voices from the Fleet
Dylan Fletcher (Driver, Emirates GBR) said:
> “We’re absolutely buzzing for the racing in Abu Dhabi. To be sat where we are in the standings heading into the Grand Final is super exciting. … This is my first season with the team so it’s great to be leading the standings heading into the final event. We’ve been doing a lot of preparation as a team to make sure we are performing at our best in Abu Dhabi.”
Peter Burling (Driver, Black Foils, New Zealand) remarked:
> “We’ve had a great run of success in the UAE and it’s exciting to take that momentum into the final event of the season. … I know as a team we are really excited to get to Abu Dhabi, we’ve focused on trying to build and develop across this season and on making gains between each event.”
Tom Slingsby (Driver, BONDS Flying Roos, Australia) added:
> “We are looking forward to the Grand Final in Abu Dhabi. The points are tight with four teams battling for three positions in the final. We need to sail a solid event to secure our spot in the final and then we will just have to go out there and execute.”
Diego Botín (Driver, Spain SailGP) warned:
> “It’s been a challenging second half of the season for us. We are in a hard position to make it into the three-boat Grand Final in Abu Dhabi but the small course and the potential light winds open the chances for things to get crazy. For us, it will be about being aggressive and playing our cards the best possible way to make the most of our chances.”
The Top Contenders
Great Britain: The most complete season yet, combining wins, podiums and momentum. With Fletcher at the helm and a renewed crew, they look set to strike.
New Zealand: Unfailingly consistent, their numbers speak for themselves — yet the title remains elusive. Abu Dhabi could be the breakthrough.
Australia: With multiple previous championships under their belt, they know how to win when it counts.
Spain: The wildcard. Fewer wins this season, but when they’ve turned up the heat they’ve been deadly. The compressed course and tricky wind conditions may suit them perfectly.
Key Stats & Context
Great Britain: 11 race wins, 29 podiums
New Zealand: 10 wins, 24 podiums
Australia: 9 wins, 22 podiums
Spain: 5 wins, 18 podiums
Prize purse: Approx. US $9.6 million awarded so far this season; US $2 million still up for grabs at the Grand Final
All four lead drivers are Olympic gold medallists — a testament to the elite calibre on show.
New Technology + Tactical Twist
One of the big talking points: the league’s new 27.5-metre wing makes its debut at the Grand Final. Filming in competing wind ranges, the Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix venue frequently sits in that “middle-wind” zone where this rig may provide advantage. Teams will need to decide on rig-selection, foiling strategy and mark-rounding tactics with fine precision.
What to Expect
The Mubadala Abu Dhabi Grand Final promises tight boundaries, shifting desert breezes and high-pressure race scenarios. With every manoeuvre magnified and the final race everything, expect aggressive tactics, shifting momentum, and a title that may come down to inches.
In a championship defined by speed, teamwork and high-risk decisions, the Grand Final will close out the season in high style — delivering one of the most thrilling weekends of sailing the sport has ever seen.
