Emirates GBR Secures Back-to-Back Victories in SailGP’s 2025 Impact League Championship
In a remarkable show of talent and commitment, the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team has clinched the top spot in the Impact League for the 2025 season, marking their second win in a row. This prestigious league aims to celebrate the positive impact teams have on environmental and social fronts. The Emirates GBR team's dedication was reflected in their extensive project submissions, with 48 initiatives evaluated by a panel of 20 judges across 114 hours of deliberation.
The team's efforts in sustainability and community engagement have been commendable, with significant projects such as the Young Development program, which has successfully placed athlete Kai Hockley into a full-time role with the team. They've also taken substantial steps to reduce waste by rebranding and repurposing their existing gear. Their collaboration with Goodwall helped engage over 250,000 young people in climate education initiatives, showcasing their commitment to nurturing the next generation of environmentally conscious leaders.
Their focus on clean energy was further strengthened through a partnership with Low Carbon, which allowed them to power their SailGP events with portable solar installations – a pioneering move in the world of competitive sailing. Sir Ben Ainslie, the CEO and co-owner of Emirates GBR, expressed his pride in the team's achievements. "Winning the Impact League again is a testament to our team's long-term commitment to driving meaningful change. We've expanded our collaboration with the Greig City Academy, helping to introduce more young individuals to the marine industry, and have organized foiling academies in Weymouth. Additionally, partnering with Goodwall and the 1851 Trust allows us to provide valuable STEM and climate education initiatives," said Ainslie.
In the season standing, Mubadala Brazil claimed the second position, making history as the first team to feature a female driver, Martine Grael, in the Rolex SailGP Championship. Brazil’s impactful initiatives included efforts to restore Pombeba Island in Guanabara Bay while raising climate adaptation awareness in the favelas. They achieved significant milestones such as establishing a female-led offshore leadership team and launching a female foiling clinic aimed at accelerating opportunities for women in sailing.
Northstar Canada made its mark by podiuming in three of the four Focus Areas and winning the Climate Action category. Their efforts included planting 2,000 eelgrass shoots in collaboration with local sailors and marine scientists near Halifax, showcasing their commitment to restoring marine ecosystems.
Fiona Morgan, SailGP's Chief Purpose Officer, praised the Emirates GBR Team's commitment to positive change, stating, "Their consistent dedication sets a shining example for all teams in the competition. Winning the Impact League symbolizes their passion and drive to create a sustainable future both in and out of the water."
As the 2025 season comes to a thrilling conclusion with the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix set for November 29-30, Emirates GBR stands in a strong position. The final event will determine the season champion, with the top teams competing for a grand prize of $2 million in a high-stakes showdown. SailGP continues to evolve as the leading platform for competitive sailing, marrying high-speed sports with purpose, accountability, and a vision for a sustainable future. For more information, visit SailGP.com/AbuDhabi.