As the high-octane action of SailGP returns to the United Kingdom this summer, Emirates is setting a new benchmark for immersive luxury travel and sailing event sponsorship. The Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix Portsmouth, taking place on July 19–20, 2025, will transform England’s south coast into a global stage for thrilling high-speed races in the Solent — made even more unforgettable by the airline’s exclusive hospitality offerings, tech hub access, and inflight broadcasts.
Presented by Emirates, the two-day event marks the penultimate race of the SailGP season, offering fans a rare chance to witness elite sailors from around the world up close. As Title Partner, Exclusive Airline Partner, Global Partner, and Naming Partner of the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, the Dubai-based airline is delivering next-level engagement for both on-the-ground spectators and long-haul passengers.
VIP Hospitality and Interactive Fan Competitions
Under its signature ‘Sail Better’ campaign, Emirates is rolling out a host of fan-centric activities designed to blend elite competition with luxury tourism.
Attendees in Portsmouth can spin their luck at the ‘Spin to Win’ booth, where prizes range from branded Emirates cushions to the grand reward — a luxury trip for two to Dubai, including Economy Class return flights and a five-night hotel stay, courtesy of Emirates Holidays.
Passengers will also enjoy ‘Snap and Keep’ photo opportunities with Emirates cabin crew in front of a branded backdrop, creating lasting memories and unique souvenirs. Exclusive Emirates SailGP merchandise, including official team shirts and summer accessories, will be available onsite and through the Emirates Official Store.
Behind-the-Scenes at the Emirates Tech Hub
In an unprecedented move, Emirates is inviting fans into the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team Tech Hub, offering a rare behind-the-scenes look at the cutting-edge F50 wing-sailed boats and the engineering feats that drive the world’s fastest sail racing vessels. Guests will meet elite athletes and witness the complex technology that powers the Emirates-backed sailing team.
Emirates Branding Across Sea, Land, and Air
From the towering 50-foot wing sails to the racecourse, stadium, and podium, Emirates’ iconic red-and-white branding will be prominently displayed throughout the Portsmouth event. This visibility extends to airborne engagement, where Emirates’ passengers at 35,000 feet can watch SailGP action live on Sport 24 and Sport 24 Extra via the award-winning ICE inflight entertainment system.
For deeper insight, passengers can also view “Racing on the Edge,” a documentary series revealing the competitive world of SailGP, athlete training regimens, and strategic racing.
Emirates World Immersive Experience in London
Ahead of the big race weekend, Emirates hosted an exclusive pre-event visit at its Emirates World Travel Store in South Kensington, London. SailGP athletes Hannah Mills, Dylan Fletcher, and Kai Hockley toured a life-size A380 Onboard Lounge, First Class Suite, and Economy Class seating, immersing themselves in the passenger experience. The visit included a fun, themed session of “Articulate” in the A380 Lounge, underlining Emirates’ blend of playfulness and prestige in customer engagement.
A Legacy of Sailing Excellence and UK Sponsorship
Emirates’ commitment to elite sailing is long-standing. The airline has sponsored Emirates Team New Zealand since 2004 and is now expanding its presence in SailGP, with the Emirates Great Britain team set to compete in international races across Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland, and the UAE throughout the 2024–2025 season.
Beyond sailing, Emirates maintains an influential UK sponsorship portfolio, including Arsenal FC, the Emirates FA Cup, Lancashire Cricket Club, and Emirates Old Trafford. It is also a proud partner of Wimbledon, the Investec Champions Cup, and the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, reflecting a deep investment in both UK and global sports.
Notably, Emirates was the naming sponsor of the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth from 2015 to 2020 and had previously backed America’s Cup World Series events in the UK.
Strong Air Connectivity Across the UK
With 133 weekly flights to the UK, Emirates provides comprehensive access for travelers heading to and from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Services include six daily flights to Heathrow, three to Gatwick, and two to Stansted, in addition to key regional routes.
This extensive network allows global visitors and UK-based fans to seamlessly access major events like SailGP while enjoying convenient onward travel to destinations in Asia, Australasia, the Middle East, and Africa.
As the only airline giving fans direct access to world-class racing both on the water and in the air, Emirates is redefining the spectator experience through innovation, access, and luxury. The SailGP Portsmouth weekend is set to be a landmark celebration of British sailing heritage, global sportsmanship, and the unifying power of travel — whether you’re standing on the Solent or soaring at cruising altitude.
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