SailGP and DP World Launch Women's Performance Camp to Empower Female Sailors

Introduction

As the excitement of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix unfolded, an inspiring initiative took shape in the world of sailing. SailGP, renowned for its thrilling sailing competitions, in collaboration with DP World, has launched a groundbreaking Women's Performance Camp. This initiative is seen as a pivotal step towards empowering female athletes and promoting gender equality within competitive sailing.

The Women's Performance Camp

Held on November 25-26 at Mina Rashid, Dubai, this camp represents the largest female athlete development program within SailGP's framework. Over a short span of just two days, participants underwent extensive training that would typically require two full seasons, a testament to the commitment to fast-track women in the sport.

Aimed at fostering skill development and enhancing performance, the camp brought together 18 talented female athletes, each gaining invaluable experience on three state-of-the-art F50 catamarans. The program featured position-specific coaching, crafting competitive scenarios through three tailored practice races, and collaborative learning experiences with male counterparts.

Commitment to Gender Equality

Fiona Morgan, SailGP’s Chief Purpose Officer, articulated the significance of the camp, emphasizing its role in kick-starting the momentum for the upcoming 2025 season. She remarked, “This initiative highlights our commitment to gender equity through impactful on-water training programs. The progress made in just two days was phenomenal, showcasing how empowerment comes from pushing boundaries and redefining possibilities.” The vision is clear: by 2030, SailGP aspires to have two female athletes on each crew, occupying critical positions.

Support from DP World

DP World, as SailGP's Global Logistic Partner, played a crucial role in this initiative. Abdulla bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) at DP World, expressed the organization’s pride in supporting this innovative program. “We are proud to support this groundbreaking initiative that empowers female SailGP athletes and drives inclusivity,” he stated.

This partnership underscores the commitment both organizations share to foster diversity, ensuring that women have the opportunity to excel in competitive sailing — an area historically dominated by men.

Impact on Athletes

Liv Mackay, a member of the New Zealand SailGP team and a fresh victor in the 2025 season opener, underscored the significance of the camp, calling it a “game-changer.” Her words reflect a broader sentiment among the athletes present; the skills and network developed during this program are set to enhance their performance in future competitions.

Looking Ahead

This camp is not merely an isolated event but part of a larger partnership between SailGP and DP World, focused on sustainable racing logistics across the global calendar. As the SailGP 2025 season progresses, with the next event scheduled for January 18-19 in Auckland, New Zealand, the implications of this initiative are bound to be felt across the sport. The impact on female representation in sailing seems promising, and the enthusiasm generated by such camps could very well change the landscape of the sport.

Conclusion

The SailGP Women’s Performance Camp marks a noteworthy milestone in sailing, showcasing the potential for women in sports and the importance of initiatives aimed at inclusivity and empowerment. With organizations like SailGP and DP World at the helm, the future of competitive sailing is looking more equitable and exciting than ever.