SailGP
Two-time Olympic champion Martine Grael becomes the first ever female driver in SailGP, joining the league for the 2024/25 Season to skipper the brand new Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team.
Youth
Martine Grael is a Brazilian sailor, born on February 12, 1991, in Rio de Janeiro. She is the daughter of the renowned sailor Torben Grael, a multiple Olympic medalist, and the granddaughter of Erik Schmidt, another accomplished sailor. Martine’s journey in sailing began early, following her family’s tradition, and she has become one of the world’s top sailors.
Career
Early Sailing Career: Martine began sailing as a child, heavily influenced by her father and grandfather. From a young age, she competed in various sailing classes, standing out due to her dedication and talent.
Partnership with Kahena Kunze: In 2009, she formed a partnership with fellow Brazilian Kahena Kunze in the 49erFX class. Together, they achieved impressive results, quickly establishing themselves as one of the best duos in the sport.
Gold Medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics: Martine and Kahena made history by winning the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in the 49erFX class. This victory was especially symbolic as the competition took place in the waters of Guanabara Bay, where Martine grew up sailing.
Back-to-Back Olympic Champions at the 2020 Tokyo Games (held in 2021): Martine and Kahena repeated their Olympic success, winning another gold medal and becoming two-time Olympic champions in the 49erFX class. This achievement further solidified their status as one of the greatest duos in sailing history.
Two-time World Champions: In addition to their Olympic victories, the duo also won the 49erFX World Championship multiple times, including titles in 2014 and 2019, confirming their dominance in the sport.
Other Highlights
World Sailor of the Year (2014): Martine was nominated for the World Sailor of the Year award, one of the most prestigious honors in the sailing world.
Participation in the Volvo Ocean Race: Besides her Olympic competitions, Martine participated in the 2017-2018 Volvo Ocean Race, one of the most challenging around-the-world sailing events. She was part of the Turn the Tide on Plastic team, showcasing her versatility as an athlete in one of the toughest races in sailing.
Style and Legacy
Martine Grael is known for her technical skills, focus, and competitive spirit. She continues the Grael family legacy, not only through her accomplishments but also through her influence on the development of sailing in Brazil and around the world. Now, in SailGP driver of Mubadala Brasil SailGP Team, Martine represents the strength of women in sports, serving as an inspiration for future generations of sailors.