SailGP makes a first-ever visit to the Middle East this weekend for the Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas, as Denmark SailGP Team presented by ROCKWOOL looks to get its season back on track.
The Danes have shown great promise at times in Season 3, securing back-to-back podiums in Plymouth and Copenhagen – but have more recently failed to hit the mark in the last two Sail Grand Prix.
And as SailGP leaves Europe to embark upon the second half of the season, Nicolai Sehested and his crew need a positive performance in the Middle East to keep the pressure on the top three in the overall rankings.
“We know that we have to perform, and show that we have the consistency to challenge the top teams in this competition,” said Sehested.
“It’s a long season, so it’s natural that you will have ups and downs, just as in any sport. But for us, as one of the newer teams, we have to show progress and that we are in the mix.”
He continued: “Although results haven’t gone for us in the two most recent Sail Grand Prix, we have taken a lot of positives, and we feel we are still up there – so we come to Dubai with confidence.”
Denmark currently sit in sixth position in the Season Championship, which is currently led by two-time winners Australia SailGP Team.
“We’re really excited to race in Dubai, which is a new venue for SailGP, but promises excellent conditions for our foiling F50s,” said Nicolai Sehested.
“Warm weather, steady breeze and flat seas – what more can you ask? Although it is looking on the light side for the weekend, so we may be racing with four onboard.”
If the crew numbers are reduced by Race Management, as is standard when the breeze drops, one member of Denmark SailGP Team who will be key to proceedings is Anne-Marie Rindom, who returns to the Danish boat fresh from winning her third career World Championships in the ILCA 6 class.
The Olympic gold medallist is looking towards Paris 2024 and has kicked off her defending campaign in style, taking the trophy with an impressive performance under pressure in the USA.
“It’s great to have Anne-Marie back with us, and we’re looking forward to seeing her continue to develop in this class,” explains Sehested. “She is a winner, and that’s an important quality to have in any team.”
Fans can tune into the Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas on 12-13 November. The racing begins at 15.00 local time. Head to sailgp.com/watch to find out where to see the action in your market.
