SailGP Commentator Todd Harris: The Future Is Bright For The U.S. SailGP Team

Broadcast duo Todd Harris and Lisa Darmanin give their views on the U.S. SailGP Team ahead of the season finale

Published 11/25/2025

SailGP lead commentator Todd Harris believes the future is bright for the U.S. SailGP Team ahead of the final event of the 2025 Season in Abu Dhabi.

Harris, the play-by-by caller on the SailGP world feed, joined Olympic silver medalist and reporter Lisa Darmanin for a media roundtable ahead of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Grand Final.

Asked how they felt about the U.S. SailGP Team ahead of next season - which begins in Perth on January 17 - Harris said: “I think it’s a bright future. I really do believe that.

“The U.S. SailGP Team has great talent. I think people have to realize they’re an old team that’s a new team. They’ve been around the league for so long, but it’s a new team.

“We’ve seen it in other boats where they’ve had language problems. On France, they want to keep it all French-speaking. That’s just what they’re going through. I call it growing pains. No one wants to hear that because it sounds like a moral victory or an excuse, but I think the U.S. SailGP Team is going to figure it out. They’ve got some smart people. They’ve got enough good athletes and sailors at their disposal to figure it out.”

Presenter Darmanin highlighted the impact of the mid-season adjustment at wing trimmer, noting how Michael Menninger’s arrival has strengthened the team’s performance.

Wing trimmer Michael Menninger joined the U.S. SailGP with America's Cup experience

She said: “I think the change of the wing trimmer, for me, has made a big difference to the team. I’ve always believed the wing trimmer is sort of like the anchor of a team. If you have a really strong wing trimmer, they can bring the team back into competition.

“And it’s the same thing with all the teams that are going through this new journey — you’re always going to have inconsistencies. But in the back half of the season, the U.S. team has obviously had to have some tough conversations and tough decisions, and it seems to be going in the right direction.”

Looking ahead to this weekend’s event, Darmanin added: “The other thing is Taylor (Canfield) really likes the Middle East as well. He started the season off with a top three.

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“So for that team to finish in Abu Dhabi, in conditions that suit Taylor’s style, I think will be a really good way for them to step into Season 6.”

Harris echoed that point, saying: “Will it be as fast as they wanted in Season 5? No, it wasn’t as fast as they wanted. But with Season 6 — and to Lisa’s point — they’re ending in a place where they’ve had historically good results, and they do well in lighter breeze.

“So if the U.S. finishes top three again, what a great way to go into next season.”

The season concludes on November 29-30 with the Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix Grand Final. Follow all the action with the U.S. SailGP Team live blog and across our social channels.