Reigning Rolex SailGP Champions Emirates GBR return to action this weekend at the Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix, with the battle for a place in the Season Grand Final intensifying.
Racing takes place on Lake Geneva on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, marking the 11th event of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship and the first of the final three events of the season.
With the Championship approaching its decisive stages, Emirates GBR arrive in Geneva fifth in the overall standings on 51 points, just five points behind the United States in third and the all-important Grand Final qualification places.
Dylan Fletcher’s team showed signs of improved performance at the Spain Sail Grand Prix in Valencia last time out but missed the Event Final following an incredibly tight weekend of light-air racing.
Fletcher said: “As we know in SailGP, anything can happen, and it often does. We feel like we’re finding our form and we need to continue pushing for gains right up until the last race of the season.
“We left points on the table in Valencia, but there are still three events to go and a huge amount to race for. We’ve been in this position before and know how quickly things can change in SailGP. Our focus is on putting together a strong weekend in Geneva and continuing to close that gap to the top three.”
Driver shake-ups add to Geneva intrigue
The Championship battle has taken another twist ahead of Geneva, with significant changes to two of the teams. Two-time Olympic gold medallist Martine Grael, who recently departed Mubadala Brazil, has been confirmed as driver of the United States SailGP Team for Geneva. Grael steps into the U.S. F50 following injuries to regular driver Taylor Canfield and reserve driver Harry Melges.
The move puts Grael immediately into the centre of the battle for Grand Final qualification, with the United States currently occupying third place in the Championship, five points ahead of Emirates GBR.
Grael’s former team, Mubadala Brazil, will also have a new driver in Geneva, with Olympic gold medallist sailor Paul Goodison moving from strategist to take the wheel.
Light winds are forecast on Lake Geneva, conditions expected to favour some of the fleet’s recognised light-air performers. However, Lake Geneva is renowned for its complex and changeable breeze, which could create opportunities throughout the 13-team fleet.
Strategist Hannah Mills said: “Geneva is going to be a very different challenge. The forecast looks light and we know those conditions can quickly change the complexion of an event. Starts become even more important, and finding pressure and getting the boat flying will make a huge difference.
“There have also been some big changes across the fleet coming into this weekend. Ultimately, though, we need to concentrate on ourselves, execute our racing and put ourselves in the best possible position to fight for the Final.”
Emirates GBR have been drawn into Group B for the opening fleet racing alongside Championship leaders Bonds Flying Roos, the Black Foils, NorthStar Canada, home favourites Explora Journeys Swiss and Red Bull Italy.
The United States, meanwhile, will race in Group A alongside Artemis, Los Gallos, ROCKWOOL Racing, Mubadala Brazil, Germany by Deutsche Bank and France.
With only the top two teams from each group progressing into the winner-takes-all Event Final, every point will be crucial as Emirates GBR look to close the gap in the Championship standings.
Fletcher will once again be joined onboard the Emirates GBR F50 by wing trimmer Stuart Bithell, flight controller Luke Parkinson, grinders Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter, and strategist Hannah Mills.
The Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix is SailGP’s second visit to Geneva, following the Championship’s Swiss debut in 2025.
Racing takes place on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 September, with UK viewers able to watch all the action live on TNT Sports 3 on Saturday and TNT Sports 4 on Sunday from 14:30 BST.