05/12/2026
by Emma Harrison
Spain’s Surge Sets Up Three-Way Showdown for SailGP Season Crown
As SailGP heads into the business end of the season, the battle for the Season Championship is hotting up and the betting markets are shifting in response. With just a handful of events remaining, a three-way fight is emerging between Spain, the BONDS Flying Roos and New Zealand, while a handful of dark horses continue to threaten from behind.
The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Portsmouth this weekend could prove decisive, not just for event bragging rights, but for the momentum that could define the rest of the 2025 season.
Spain and Australia Locked at the Top
Spain have been the story of the past two events – back-to-back victories in San Francisco and New York have vaulted Diego Botin’s team to the top of the leaderboard and into joint-favourite in the Season Winner market. They’re now priced at 4.35 (15/4) to win the title – a remarkable rise given their mid-table status just a few months ago.
The win in New York was all about execution under pressure. Spain edged out New Zealand and France in the Final, after a patchy qualifying phase that saw them scrape into the top three. Their ability to win tight Finals – combined with high fleet race finishes – shows a team that has found its rhythm at the right time.
The BONDS Flying Roos, meanwhile, remain a constant presence at the top of the betting – also 4.35 (15/4) to lift the championship. The Roos have been consistent without hitting top gear, including a win in Race 2 in New York but missed out on an event Final appearance. Still, Slingsby’s crew know how to peak late – and with a proven record in previous SailGP seasons, they remain serious contenders.
New Zealand Still in the Frame
New Zealand, currently priced at 4.88 (39/10), are quietly moving into prime position. After a flat start to the season, Peter Burling’s team has steadily improved, including an event Final appearance in New York where they finished second, just seconds behind Spain.
Podiums in Los Angeles and a standout fleet race win in New York show a team capable of matching the best when conditions suit. If they can maintain consistency, they’re more than capable of overhauling the current leaders in the final stretch.
Can Emirates GBR Use Home Waters to Reignite Their Season?
For Emirates GBR, currently 6.25 (21/4) to win the title, this weekend is make or break. A strong start to the season – with a win in Sydney and podiums in Dubai and Auckland – has since unravelled. 7th and 8th place finishes in San Francisco and New York have knocked them down the leaderboard.
But home water advantage could matter. Dylan Fletcher’s crew are familiar with Solent conditions and will be keen to deliver in front of a home crowd. A podium finish in Portsmouth would reignite their campaign – anything less, and their title hopes may slip away.
France and Canada: Dangerous Floaters
Both France and Canada are priced at 9.09 (8/1), and have shown flashes of brilliance. France have qualified for the Final in each of the last two events, including a third-place finish in New York. Quentin Delapierre’s team has been consistently improving in tight races and looks to be the best of the chasing pack.
Canada, meanwhile, continues to offer strong promise. A mixed bag of results, including top-two finishes in New York shows potential, but they’ll need to rediscover their earlier form and string together consecutive top-three event finishes to close the gap on the leaders.
The Long Shots
Further down the board, Switzerland (12.50 / 11.5/1) and ROCKWOOL Denmark (14.29 / 13/1) have lacked the consistent finishes needed to challenge, while Red Bull Italy, Mubadala Brazil, USA and Germany Deutsche Bank sit at the bottom of the odds with triple-digit prices (111.11 / 110/1) – reflecting their position near the bottom of the overall standings.
Mubadala Brazil’s 4th-place finish in New York was a high point, and the USA showed strong starts, but both teams remain priced long with the bookies.
Verdict
With just a few events left, the championship picture is becoming clearer – but far from decided. Spain are the form team, the BONDS Flying Roos have the track record, and New Zealand are gaining speed. For Emirates GBR, this weekend is a chance to stay in the race. And for France or Canada, a surprise win in Portsmouth could throw the title race wide open.
The chase is on – and it’s far from over. Starting points for our US readers
Starting points for our UK readers
Starting points for our Global readers
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