Emirates GBR disappointed with New York result but hoping to get back on the podium in Portsmouth
by Emirates GBR SailGP Team 9 Jun 2025 16:29 BST
9 June 2025
Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher during a briefing - Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix © Ricardo Pinto for SailGP
Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said the team was "disappointed" with their result at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, but was hoping to "get back on the podium" at their home event, the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth on 19-20 July.
Spain came out victorious in New York, beating New Zealand and France in the three-boat final to secure their second win of the 2025 Season. The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team finished the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix in 8th place after a tricky two days on the Hudson River.
Conditions were tough on Race Day One on Saturday, with heavy rain and light wind leading to Emirates GBR finishing the three fleet races with a result of 11-6-9. The weather improved on Race Day 2 on Sunday, and as did the British team's performance. After a 10th place finish in Race 4, the Brits managed to secure two third place finished in Races 5 and 6.
Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said: "We're obviously disappointed with the weekend overall, it's not good enough, but it was nice to get those last two races. Given yesterday's results, we are proud of how we came out today. It was a disappointing first race but we took it on the chin and kept fighting to get two solid races in."
Fletcher said the team was "frustrated" by an umpire call which handed them a penalty for not giving room when altering course in relation to Canada.
"We clearly have a different view to the umpires," Fletcher said.
"We thought the Canadians were in the wrong and that's frustrating as it costs us a point to them and points on the overall season leaderboard. We've had a review and we still don't understand how we got a penalty - but ultimately, that's racing."
After hosting an event in collaboration with the British Consulate in New York on Thursday evening, Emirates GBR had some strong support from high-profile guests on Sunday. The British Ambassador to the United States, Lord Peter Mandelson, and the British Consul General to New York and HM Trade Commissioner for North America, Oliver Christian, joined Emirates GBR CEO Sir Ben Ainslie to support the team in the SailGP Adrenaline Lounge.
The next event on the Rolex SailGP Championship 2025 Season calendar is the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth on 19-20 July. Fletcher said the team was hoping to carry the momentum of their better results in the last two races into Portsmouth and "get back on to that top step of the podium" in front of a home crowd.
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth is the first home event for Emirates GBR in three years, and its set to be a huge spectacle with 20,000 fans expected across the weekend. As well as the adrenaline-fuelled, close to shore racing, fans will also enjoy performances from chart-topping singer-songwriter Tom Grennan and legendary DJ Pete Tong. Tickets are still available and can be purchased at SailGP.com/Portsmouth