This November, Abu Dhabi’s coastline will host a sight that looks more like science fiction than sport. Imagine a sailing boat that lifts entirely out of the water and races across the surface at speeds exceeding 100 kilometres per hour. That’s the F50, a carbon fibre catamaran designed for SailGP, one of the most advanced and fast-paced sailing competitions in the world.
From November 29 to 30, twelve national teams will compete in these high-speed machines during the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. The event will serve as the 2025 SailGP Season Grand Final, with crews racing not just for the trophy but for one of the biggest prizes in professional sailing.
The F50 may be called a boat, but it behaves more like an aircraft. Built from lightweight carbon fibre and stretching 15 metres in length, the twin-hulled catamaran is equipped with hydrofoils, underwater wings that lift the vessel above the surface as it accelerates. Once airborne, drag is reduced dramatically, allowing the F50 to glide over the water at speeds that can triple the strength of the wind driving it.
At its peak, the F50 has reached over 100 kilometres per hour, a speed that rivals the highway limits of Sheikh Zayed Road. Its design is an evolution of the AC50 used in the America’s Cup, refined for greater speed and stability. The wingsail, a solid vertical structure instead of a traditional fabric sail, can be adjusted for different wind conditions, with sizes ranging from 18 to 29 metres.
Each race is a test of precision and teamwork. Six athletes operate the F50 in complete coordination. A driver steers, a strategist reads the wind, a wing trimmer controls the sail, a flight controller maintains lift, and two grinders provide the power that fuels every movement. Every adjustment must be perfect; a single mistake can send the catamaran crashing back into the water or tipping over entirely.
Abu Dhabi’s waters will be the final stage of this year’s SailGP season, where the top three teams will compete for the championship in a single, winner-takes-all race. After events spanning four continents, Emirates GBR currently leads the standings, followed closely by the Black Foils and the BONDS Flying Roos.
The two-day event at Mina Zayed will feature fleet races between all twelve nations before the ultimate showdown. With sweeping views of the Arabian Gulf and consistent coastal winds, Abu Dhabi provides one of the most striking natural backdrops for the series finale.
The F50 represents the cutting edge of sailing, a blend of sport, science, and spectacle. For those watching from the shore, it is a striking reminder of how far human engineering and teamwork can push the boundaries of what is possible on water.