Emirates GBR top the leaderboard on day one of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix
by Emirates GBR SailGP Team 19 Jul 2025 20:20 BST
19-20 July 2025
Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Dylan Fletcher races past the SailGP Race Stadium on Race Day 1 of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth, UK © Simon Bruty for SailGP
Home team Emirates GBR is top of the leaderboard after day one of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth. The British crew, driven by Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher, delighted the 10,000 fans on Southsea Common by securing a result of 1-2-3-2 in the four fleet races.
The strong performance leaves them with 36 points, six points clear of Switzerland in second on 30, while Australia's BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team is in third with 26 points.
Emirates GBR Driver Dylan Fletcher said: "We are so pumped with that result. We had some difficult events in the US, so to be here and have a good first day in front of our home crowd is amazing. It's quite a difficult race track with a lot of obstacles but I'm really happy and proud of the whole team with that performance. We know we've got a big job to do tomorrow, it looks like it will be a lot breezier, but to see that many fans watching us here is a really proud moment and a massive privilege for the team."
The day started with drama as the France SailGP Team's wing collapsed before racing began. The incident unfortunately meant they were out of action for the first day of the event. SailGP said it was investigating the issue and would share more information as it became available. While it was disaster for the French team, Emirates GBR delighted the home crowd by taking the win in the first race of the day. The crew had the dream start to the event by leading across the start line, to the first mark and the entire way round the course, with the 10,000-strong home crowd roaring as the Brits crossed the finish line in first place.
Emirates GBR had another strong finish in the second race of the day, securing second place just behind the Switzerland SailGP Team. The race began with an early start penalty for the German team, who then had to get behind all teams. Red Bull Italy led to mark one with New Zealand following close behind. In leg three the Swiss team managed to steal the lead from Italy while Emirates GBR was in third. It was then a battle between the three teams for the podium places, with Switzerland taking first, Emirates GBR in second and Red Bull Italy in third.
Emirates GBR put up a fight in the third race of the day, managing to climb from 9th in the second leg to finish the race in third place. Race four saw the Brits start off in fourth place and then make their way into the top three, battling with Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, Red Bull Italy and the BONDS Flying Roos at the front of the fleet. Emirates GBR eventually sealed the deal on a second place finish and secured their spot at the top of the leaderboard.
Emirates GBR Strategist Hannah Mills said: "We're actually buzzing. Dylan and I both said this was the most nervous we'd been in a long time before racing. With a home event we really want to do well and show the UK what this sport and SailGP is all about, so to do well is really important and it's a relief to have a good day."
Racing resumes on Sunday from 16:00 BST, with three full fleet races before the top three teams progress to the winner-takes-all final. Last few tickets remain, with all ticketholders also having access to a performance by legendary Pete Tong after racing. Head to SailGP.com/Portsmouth to book your tickets. Racing is also available to watch live on TNT Sports 2 for UK viewers.