Rio de Janeiro to Host Brazil’s Inaugural SailGP Event with Trailblazing Athlete Martine Grael at the Helm
Rio de Janeiro to Host Brazil’s Inaugural SailGP Event Featuring Martine Grael
3-4 May 2025
SailGP, the most thrilling racing on water, is set to make its highly anticipated debut in Brazil on May 3-4, 2025. Martine Grael will lead the nation’s first-ever SailGP team, marking a historic moment for the global racing championship.
The Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix will occur in Guanabara Bay, showcasing the breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Mountain and the iconic Rio skyline. As Brazil’s first event in this prestigious international sailing series, it promises to be a spectacular occasion.
In a groundbreaking development for Brazilian sailing, two-time Olympic gold medalist Martine Grael has been named the driver of the newly established SailGP team. This appointment makes her the first female driver since SailGP’s inception in 2019. Sir Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP, expressed excitement about Grael’s selection, highlighting the Brazilian team’s potential as a serious contender in the 2024/2025 Season.
Coutts stated, “We’re thrilled to not only announce the venue for SailGP’s inaugural Brazilian event but also to confirm Martine Grael as the driver for the nation’s team. Martine is an exceptional talent who has proven her ability to succeed at the highest levels of sailing.”
Grael expressed her honor in leading the Brazilian SailGP Team and embraced the challenge of being the first woman to drive in this competitive environment. “We are starting a new chapter in a competition that features the best in the world, coinciding with the launch of Rio’s first stage. It is a perfect time for our team,” she said.
So far, 37 women have participated in sailing F50s, and many SailGP teams now have female athletes on their rosters. Grael and her team will join a confirmed roster of 11 national teams competing in identical high-tech, high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans. Grael will gain her initial experience steering an F50 during an upcoming training camp in Bermuda, with the complete Brazil team lineup to be announced shortly.
The 2024-25 SailGP season promises to be the most expansive yet, featuring events across five continents. It begins in Dubai on November 23-24, 2024, with stops in iconic cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Geneva. The Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix follows the introduction of the first-ever South American team, the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, announced earlier this year.
The Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix will be organized by the Brazilian sports and entertainment firm IMM in partnership with the Brazilian sailing confederation, CBVela. Alan Adler, a former Brazilian Olympic sailor and President of IMM, emphasized the importance of having the Brazilian team competing close to their passionate fans. He remarked, “SailGP is a new professional league that embodies innovation, technology, speed, and a strong dedication to environmental stewardship. It will undoubtedly captivate the audience.”
At a recent media event, Damian Popolo, Director of External Relations and Sustainability at Enel Brasil, the event’s Title Partner, highlighted their commitment to contributing to social initiatives in the regions where they operate. He stated, “Bringing the global sailing championship to South America will once again elevate Rio’s standing in the international sports arena.”
Rio’s Mayor, Eduardo Paes, also shared his enthusiasm: “Hosting the inaugural SailGP stage, now coming to South America for the first time, reinforces Rio de Janeiro’s position as a hub for major international events, from sports to music and culture.”
Further information regarding the Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix, including ticket offerings, will be available soon. For updates, visit SailGP.com/Brazil.
Alex Tanaka, a seasoned sailor and marine journalist from Singapore, has a deep passion for the sea that began in childhood. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the National University of Singapore, Alex has built a reputation for insightful and engaging storytelling. Their work captures the excitement of sailing and the intricate details of maritime life, making them a respected voice in the sailing community. When not writing, Alex enjoys exploring new waters and participating in local regattas, always seeking the next adventure on the horizon.