5 Things You Need To Know About New York Sail Grand Prix
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix this weekend…
Published 06/2/2025
After an unplanned 76-day break, the U.S. SailGP Team is back on home waters for the third consecutive event this weekend at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix.
The cancelation of the inaugural ENEL Rio Sail Grand Prix means an all-American triple header will conclude in the Big Apple, after events in San Francisco and Los Angeles in March.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of a big week in the Empire State…
A new face
Michael Menninger joins up with the team for the first time after signing during the prolonged spring break – but he won’t be on the water just yet. Instead, he’ll be with head coach Evan Aras in the coach’s booth to lend his expertise from afar.
A highly experienced sailor, Menninger competed in the 37th edition of the America’s Cup in 2024. He is also a Match Racing World Champion, Team Racing World Champion, four-time Etchells World Champion and two-time Governor's Cup winner.
Speaking recently, flight controller Hans Henken praised his new team-mate’s impact, saying: “It’s been awesome having Michael Menninger join the team. I guess you’d call it a mid-spring break – not quite summer break like in Formula 1, but a bit of a pause.
“He’s brought a significant amount of insight and professionalism, and it's going to be great to have him in New York and hopefully see that translate into our performance on the water.”
Buckley: Racing In New York City Is The Ultimate Privilege
Testing conditions
CEO and strategist Mike Buckley says the team will have to be ready for different conditions on the Hudson come race day.
He said: “In pure sailing terms, one of the things that makes New York unique as a race venue is the conditions. If the sea breeze fills in, there’s no better venue in the world – it’s a spectacular racecourse.
“But it can also be tricky with light wind and strong currents. It can go either way: incredible or incredibly challenging. Regardless, it’ll be exciting.”
Home-town favorites
New York is not only a home event for the team, the third on the SailGP 2025 schedule – but a local one for Mike, Jeremy Wilmot and Taylor Canfield.
While Mike is a proud New Yorker, Jeremy and Taylor live in fairly close proximity, just a few hours up the east coast, in Rhode Island.
It means the athletes will have plenty of friends and family in the crowd on Governors Island – something of a rarity given the global nature of SailGP.
The U.S. SailGP Team finished 10th at the New York Sail Grand Prix in 2024
Last season
In Season Four, New Zealand posted an almost perfect performance in New York to beat off strong competition from Canada and Emirates Great Britain, securing their place in San Francisco’s $2 million Grand Final.
The Black Foils went blow for blow with Emirates GBR and Canada in order to secure the inside line early on in the Final, crossing the line first to claim victory in the Big Apple.
For the U.S. SailGP Team, it was a 10th-place finish after the fleet races.
Packed agenda
New York is known as the city that never sleeps – and with good reason!
There’s a packed agenda throughout race week in the Big Apple and plenty for SailGP fans to get stuck into.
You’ll have seen our exclusive Premium Hospitality giveaway with U.S. SailGP board member DJ Khaled. The GRAMMY award-winning artist will be just one of a number of A-listers in attendance on Governors Island.
The athletes will be taking part in a number of activations through the week, including workshops with our partners at RISE, Tommy Hilfiger fittings, a visit from MLS’ New York Red Bulls and much, much more!
There will also be interactive games at the race stadium, such as the SailGP simulator to test your skills, as well as opportunities to purchase merchandise, food and drinks, and entertainment throughout the weekend.
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