Mubadala Capital, the asset management subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, and SailGP, the global racing championship, have revealed plans to invest strategically in a newly formed SailGP Team representing Brazil.
This move introduces South America to the SailGP league for the first time and is the initial step in adding several new teams for Season 5.
This partnership enhances the ongoing collaboration between Mubadala and SailGP, both deeply committed to sustainability and innovation. It aims to enhance training opportunities for Emirati sailors locally and globally, following the success of the first Abu Dhabi race earlier this year.
The Brazil Team will compete in the upcoming SailGP event in the UAE, providing regional fans with an exciting opportunity to witness high-level sailing firsthand.
Including a South American team expands the tournament’s global appeal and supports Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become a central hub for global sports and entertainment.
This event not only introduces an international sport to the region but also underscores Mubadala’s and the UAE’s dedication to global sustainability efforts.
Homaid Al Shimmari, Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer of Mubadala, remarked, “Together with SailGP, we are nurturing a community focused on advancing sport and sustainability.
Our responsible investment approach aligns closely with SailGP’s vision to be the world’s most sustainable sports and entertainment platform. This partnership underscores our commitment to supporting communities and regions where we invest, aligning capital deployment with local community engagement.”
In response, SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts stated, “Brazil boasts a storied history of Olympic sailing success, making their entry into SailGP’s professional ranks particularly fitting.
This venture opens up significant new markets for SailGP, and we are excited to cultivate Brazil’s enthusiastic fan base and strengthen ties to the region.”
“We are thrilled to collaborate with SailGP in establishing the first-ever South American SailGP Team,” said Oscar Fahlgren, Chief Investment Officer of Mubadala Capital.
“This acquisition expands our investment portfolio and aligns with our long-term commitment to Brazil, while enhancing our ability to generate lasting positive social and environmental impacts.”
The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will partner with Brazilian sports and entertainment firm IMM for operational management. Founded by former Brazilian Olympic sailor Alan Adler (CEO), IMM’s portfolio includes prestigious Brazilian events such as the Rio Open and São Paulo Grand Prix Formula 1 race.
With the complete team roster set to be announced in the coming months, Adler expressed enthusiasm: “We are eager to engage with passionate Brazilian fans and bring this dynamic team to life.
The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will inspire and connect with our community, promoting the sport and its values across South America.”
Brazil will join the global racing championship at the start of Season 5, commencing in November 2024. SailGP, renowned for its exhilarating water racing, features national teams competing in advanced 50-foot foiling catamarans at iconic venues worldwide.
Season 4 currently hosts 13 events annually, with further expansion planned for Season 5.
The establishment of the Brazilian team marks an exciting development in SailGP’s growing partnership with Mubadala.
Last year, Mubadala announced a Global Partnership with SailGP, extending through the 2026 season. Mubadala will also serve as the Title Partner for SailGP’s New York event starting tomorrow, having previously sponsored events in San Francisco and Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala initially partnered with SailGP as the title sponsor for the San Francisco race in Season 3, reflecting its responsible investment strategy and SailGP’s ambition to be the leading sustainable, purpose-driven global sports and entertainment platform.
The partnership expanded with the launch of the Abu Dhabi race and now extends beyond the water.
Recently, both organisations unveiled a new production partnership with Strata Manufacturing, a Mubadala-owned aerospace facility, to develop and manufacture new SailGP hydrofoils and rudders for Season 5, alongside other critical components of SailGP’s F50 catamarans.
This collaboration underscores a commitment to a sustainable future, integrating responsible investment practices with cutting-edge technology and promoting environmental stewardship in sport.
Mubadala will continue to support SailGP Inspire, the league’s youth community outreach and education programme, which has engaged over 21,000 young people in host venues globally.
Starting tomorrow (Saturday, June 22), the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix kicks off, marking the penultimate stop on the Season 4 calendar before the winner-takes-all Grand Final in San Francisco (July 13-14).
