The sixth stop on Season 4’s record 13-event calendar and final event of 2023 takes place in Dubai. From Jimmy Spithill driving Australia to the new USA team’s debut, we round up five things to watch out for when racing gets underway in Dubai.
Jimmy Spithill driving for Australia
Aussie driver Tom Slingsby is on paternity leave, which means Dubai will be the first ever SailGP event he’s missed. In his place, he’s drafted in fellow Aussie and former USA driver Jimmy Spithill, who will sub in for Slingsby in the driving position. Spithill steps on board the gold and green F50 fresh from triumphing with the American crew in Cadiz - but can he repeat the success when racing gets underway?
New-look USA team’s debut
Taylor Canfield will have debut as USA’s new driver in Dubai, alongside an as-yet unannounced crew line-up. How will the American crew fare with a change in driver - and can they hold onto the Championship podium when racing begins?
Canada crew reshuffle
While the new USA line-up is unconfirmed, we do know that former wing trimmer Paul Campbell-James will join the Canadian line-up when racing gets underway. Canada has also picked up the USA’s former coach - Philippe Presti. What changes will this make to the Canadian team’s performance?
Will Canada and Spain’s feud continue in Dubai?
It was an eventful European season for Spain and Canada, with the two teams coming to blows in both Saint-Tropez and Cadiz. Will the growing feud between Diego Botin and Phil Robertson’s crews continue to build or fizzle out when racing resumes?
Dubai’s flat water
The flat water and enclosed racecourse of Dubai’s Mina Rashid has the potential to favor the more inexperienced teams in the fleet - specifically Switzerland, the United States, Germany and Spain. Could Spain repeat its flat water and light wind victory of L.A.? Or will Germany or Switzerland secure a first ever event win?
The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas will take place on December 9 & 10.
