The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team has secured a significant partnership with Jumeirah, a global luxury hospitality group, ahead of the 2026 season. The multi-year agreement, announced earlier this week, designates Jumeirah as the team’s Global Hotel Partner for the next three seasons.
The collaboration extends beyond simple branding. Jumeirah will actively curate distinctive experiences around SailGP race weekends, leveraging its hospitality expertise to enhance the event atmosphere for fans and provide access to global audiences across key markets. The partnership will be immediately visible at the upcoming ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Auckland.
This isn’t merely a commercial deal; it’s a synergy built on shared values. Jumeirah’s deep connection to the sea, exemplified by properties like the iconic sail-shaped Jumeirah Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Olhahali Island, and the superyacht The Maltese Falcon, aligns with SailGP’s focus on ocean racing, and sustainability. Both organizations also share a commitment to marine conservation and maritime heritage.
Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. We are delighted to welcome Jumeirah on board as a Global Partner. Not only is Jumeirah an iconic brand based in our home-from-home, the UAE, but it also echoes our shared commitment to protecting our oceans and striving for excellence.
He continued, Winning at the highest level of SailGP demands constant innovation, precision, and outstanding teamwork, qualities that are deeply aligned with Jumeirah’s approach to delivering world-class experiences, both on and off the water.
The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team enters this partnership from a position of strength. The team enjoyed a remarkable 2025 season, achieving a rare “treble” – winning the Season Championship, the Impact League (SailGP’s environmental and social-focused competition), and topping the overall season leaderboard. This success underscores the team’s dedication to both on-water performance and broader sustainability initiatives.
SailGP itself is experiencing rapid growth as a global sports and entertainment league. The competition features high-performance F50 catamarans designed to minimize carbon footprints and promote inclusivity, reflecting a growing emphasis on environmental responsibility within the sport. The Impact League, a unique element of SailGP, further incentivizes teams to prioritize positive action beyond racing, tracking and rewarding their efforts in sustainability and social impact.
Jumeirah’s involvement comes at a time when SailGP is expanding its reach across five continents, attracting a diverse and engaged audience. The partnership provides Jumeirah with a platform to connect with these audiences and showcase its brand values on a global stage. The hospitality group’s presence at race events will likely include branded experiences, hospitality suites, and opportunities for customer engagement.
The three-year agreement signifies a long-term commitment from both parties. It suggests a belief in the continued growth of SailGP and the potential for a mutually beneficial relationship. For the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, the partnership provides stability and resources as they aim to build on their 2025 success and maintain their position as a leading force in the league.
Beyond the immediate benefits of hospitality and brand exposure, the partnership with Jumeirah could also facilitate knowledge sharing and innovation. Jumeirah’s expertise in delivering exceptional customer experiences could inform the team’s approach to fan engagement, while the team’s focus on high performance and technological advancement could inspire new approaches within Jumeirah’s operations.
The announcement of this partnership follows recent news regarding other developments in the sailing world. While the Danish SailGP team recently sold for a record sum, the focus remains on the growing momentum of the SailGP league and the increasing interest from global brands like Jumeirah. This investment underscores the league’s appeal and its potential for continued expansion in the years to come.
As the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team prepares for the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, the partnership with Jumeirah represents a significant step forward. It’s a collaboration that promises to enhance the SailGP experience for fans, promote sustainability, and further solidify the team’s position at the forefront of the sport.
