At See New Zealand, we are impressed by how sport can make a difference, especially in our home country and worldwide. SailGP, the global sailing championship, exemplifies this by integrating environmental sustainability and diversity into its core mission.

Environmental Initiatives in 2025

SailGP has set an ambitious target to be 100% powered by clean energy onshore and water by 2025. This shift from fossil fuel-based technologies to renewable energy sources reflects the organization’s proactive approach to reducing its carbon footprint.

Auckland

In 2025, SailGP intensified its commitment to environmental stewardship. The kelp forest restoration project in the Noises Islands near Auckland, New Zealand, is a significant initiative. This project aims to rejuvenate marine ecosystems, enhance biodiversity, and contribute to carbon sequestration. Such efforts underscore SailGP’s dedication to leaving a positive environmental legacy in its race locations.

Dubai

One of the standout projects in Dubai was the Dubai Reef Project, a groundbreaking initiative to restore marine ecosystems. A key feature of this project is the world’s largest artificial reef, covering 200 square kilometres, designed to provide a thriving habitat for marine life and boost biodiversity.

The project aims to plant one billion corals and 100 million mangrove trees, supporting coastal protection, carbon storage, and marine biodiversity.

SailGP also launched an all-female sailing performance ca in Dubai, supported by DP World, its official logistics partner. The camp allowed female sailors to train in various boat roles, including G1, G2, flight controller, wing trimmer, driver, and strategist.

Fostering Sustainability and Inclusion

A cornerstone of SailGP’s strategy is the Impact League, a pioneering initiative that tracks teams’ efforts in sustainability and inclusivity. Teams are evaluated on various criteria, including carbon footprint reduction, gender equity, and community engagement. The Impact League incentivises positive actions and promotes healthy team competition to lead in environmental and social responsibility.

SGP is not just about sailing—it’s about leading in technology, performance, and environmental sustainability.

SailGP announced its commitment to diversity through its Women’s Pathway Strategy, aiming to increase gender equity in sailing. A major milestone was reached when Martine Grael, a double Olympic champion, became the first female pilot in SailGP. This marks a significant step towards inclusivity in a traditionally male-dominated sport.

What is the Impact League?

The Impact League is SailGP’s pioneering initiative that runs parallel to the main sailing championship. It aims to make sustainability and inclusivity integral to the sport. Teams are evaluated and scored based on their performance in various sustainability and social responsibility criteria. The scoring system encourages teams to adopt best practices and drive positive change within the sailing community and beyond.

Teams are assessed across multiple categories, each with specific criteria and assigned points. These categories include:

  • Climate Action: Efforts to reduce carbon emissions and implement renewable energy solutions.
  • Circular Economy: Initiatives to minimize waste through recycling, reusing materials, and sustainable procurement.
  • Inclusivity: Actions promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the team and the broader community.
  • Nature Positive: Projects aimed at protecting and restoring marine and coastal ecosystems.
  • Leadership: Demonstrating commitment to sustainability through policies, partnerships, and advocacy.

Each category comprises specific actions and benchmarks teams must meet to earn points. For instance, under Climate Action, teams can score points by measuring and reporting their carbon footprint, setting reduction targets, and utilizing low-emission technologies. In the Inclusivity category, points are awarded for implementing diversity training, achieving gender balance, and engaging with underrepresented communities.

The Impact League fosters friendly competition among teams and catalyzes broader environmental and social progress within the sport. By integrating these values into the core of the competition, SailGP aims to lead by example, inspiring other sports and organizations to adopt similar frameworks for positive impact.

Looking Ahead

We commend SailGP’s holistic approach to integrating sport with environmental and social initiatives. Their efforts in 2025 and beyond demonstrate that sports organizations can drive significant positive change locally and globally with commitment and innovation.