SailGP and DP World Launch Innovative Women’s Performance Camp Paving the Way for Female Athletes

SailGP and DP World Launch Innovative Women’s Performance Camp

In a significant stride towards gender equality in competitive sailing, SailGP has teamed up with DP World to introduce a groundbreaking Women's Performance Camp. This initiative was unveiled following the thrilling conclusion of the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas, held on December 6, 2024, in Dubai, UAE.

The camp is not just any ordinary training event; it signifies the most extensive effort made by SailGP to develop female athletes, equivalent to two full seasons of on-water training condensed into just two days. The event took place on November 25 and 26 at Mina Rashid, gathering 18 talented female athletes.

With support from DP World, the leading global logistics partner of SailGP, the camp provided these athletes with a rigorous training format on three cutting-edge F50 catamarans. Participants benefitted from specialized coaching tailored to their specific roles within the sailing teams. The program included three distinct training races and focused on enhancing collaborative skills alongside male athletes, highlighting the camp's commitment to fostering inclusivity and teamwork.

Fiona Morgan, the Chief Purpose Officer of SailGP, emphasized the camp's role in catalyzing change within the sailing landscape. She noted, "The SailGP Women's Performance Camp has marked the beginning of the 2025 season, pushing forward the transformation of sailing. This initiative underscores our dedication to gender parity, aiming to have two female athletes in key positions on each team by 2030. The astounding progress made in just two days illustrates how empowerment can stem from pushing physical and mental boundaries. The future of sailing is one of unity, with both women and men leading together."

Abdulla ben Damithan, CEO of DP World and Managing Director of the UAE Region, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We take pride in supporting this innovative initiative that empowers SailGP female athletes and promotes inclusivity. This camp is a major milestone in fostering diversity and creating pathways for women to excel in competitive sailing."

One of the notable participants, Liv Mackay from the New Zealand SailGP team, who recently clinched victory in the 2025 season, shared her excitement: "This Women's Performance Camp is a game-changer. Having 18 women on the water gaining this level of experience is a monumental step forward. It truly showcases our potential on an international stage."

This camp also follows the announcement of an enduring partnership between DP World and SailGP. As the new global logistics partner of the league, DP World will ensure sustainable and efficient transportation and delivery of racing equipment across the SailGP global calendar, a collaboration spanning three seasons.

As the 2025 SailGP season progresses, the next event will take place at the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland on January 18 and 19, 2025. The partnership between SailGP and DP World is not just about logistics; it embodies a shared commitment to innovation and continuous progress in the realm of competitive sailing.

With initiatives like the Women’s Performance Camp, SailGP is set on a pioneering path, one that encourages diversity, balances gender representation, and redefines the future of sailing—where opportunities are accessible to all regardless of gender.