Imagine a sailboat that soars above the water at more than 100 kilometers per hour, the same speed limit as parts of Sheikh Zayed Road. That is no fantasy. It is the F50 catamaran, and this November, twelve of these cutting-edge racing machines will battle across Abu Dhabi’s waters for US $2 million and the ultimate sailing prize: the Rolex SailGP 2025 Season Championship.
If you are new to SailGP or simply curious about what makes the F50 so extraordinary, here is what to know before the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2025 Season Grand Final, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council, takes over the UAE capital from November 29 to 30.
At first glance, the F50 looks like a sleek 15-meter catamaran, a twin-hulled racing vessel. But calling it just a “boat” does not come close. The F50 is the product of a decade of innovation, purpose-built for SailGP’s nation-versus-nation format. Evolved from the AC50 used in the 2017 America’s Cup, it has been redesigned to be faster, more stable, and more aerodynamic than any sailing craft before it.
What truly sets it apart is how it moves. The F50 does not glide through the water, it flies above it. Beneath each hull are hydrofoils, carbon-fiber wings that lift the boat out of the water as it accelerates. With reduced drag, speed skyrockets. The result is pure spectacle: a boat seemingly levitating over the sea, propelled by precision and wind.
The F50’s rigid wingsail, a vertical wing rather than a fabric sail, captures wind with remarkable efficiency. Teams can switch between three wing sizes: an 18-meter wing for strong winds, a 24-meter all-purpose version, or a 29-meter wing for lighter air. With interchangeable daggerboards and rudders, every F50 is fine-tuned for peak performance. In ideal conditions, these engineering marvels hit speeds of over 100 km/h, three times the speed of the wind driving them. The current record stands at 103.93 km/h, set by ROCKWOOL Racing during the Germany Sail Grand Prix last August.
Each F50 is powered by a six-person crew working in perfect harmony. The driver steers, the strategist reads the wind and competition, the wing trimmer fine-tunes the wingsail, and the flight controller balances the boat midair. Two grinders serve as the boat’s human engines, powering the winches that control every adjustment. It is a delicate dance at the edge of control. A moment’s misstep can lead to a crash or capsize. Too much lift, and the boat flies too high; too much wind, and it can flip entirely. SailGP is high-speed chess on water, equal parts athleticism, engineering, and instinct.
This November, Abu Dhabi becomes the ultimate stage: twelve nations, twelve identical F50s, and a season finale with everything at stake. Emirates GBR heads to Mina Zayed at the top of the leaderboard after a comeback win in Cádiz, their third victory this season, just three points ahead of the Black Foils, with the BONDS Flying Roos close behind. Over two days, all twelve teams will compete in fleet races. Then, the top three from the season standings will face off in the winner-takes-all Grand Final, a single race for the Rolex SailGP Championship Trophy and a US $2 million purse. One race. One champion. No second chances.
Expect breathtaking speed, razor-sharp strategy, and the world’s best sailors pushing themselves and their machines to the limit, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Arabian Gulf. More than a race, it is a celebration of speed, power, and precision, and it all comes down to one electrifying weekend in Abu Dhabi. Whether you are a lifelong sailing enthusiast or a newcomer to the sport, the F50 guarantees a spectacle like no other. Don’t miss your chance to secure the best views at the best prices by visiting sailgp.com/abudhabi.
