In a thrilling prelude to the much-anticipated Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix, some of the world’s top sailors and elite athletes swapped their high-speed F50 catamarans for surfboards, taking to the world’s largest wave pool at Surf Abu Dhabi. This unique event on Hudayriyat Island offered a rare and exhilarating opportunity for competitors to refine skills that are critical both on and off the water.
Athletes including Sebastien Schneiter from Switzerland, Diego Botin from Spain, Peter Burling from New Zealand, and crew members from Canada, the USA, and Germany, joined forces to test their balance, reflexes, and precision in a sport that mirrors many of the demands of high-performance sailing. The morning was further electrified by the presence of World Test Championship-winning New Zealand cricketer Trent Boult, along with UAE daredevil influencer Ahmed Al Shehhi, whose expertise in aerial and extreme sports brought an added layer of excitement and insight into the event.
The exercise was far from recreational; surfing at Surf Abu Dhabi challenges athletes in ways that are surprisingly relevant to catamaran racing. The F50 vessels used in SailGP are designed for speed, precision, and split-second decision-making—qualities equally essential for mastering unpredictable waves. Athletes had to anticipate wave patterns, adjust their stance, and maintain perfect balance while navigating powerful, man-made surf, honing instincts that directly translate to their performance on the Grand Prix circuit. “It’s a lot of fun. Having this experience in the best wave pool in the world is a unique opportunity for us, and it lived up to the expectations,” said defending SailGP champion Diego Botin, reflecting on the parallels between ocean sailing and controlled wave pool dynamics. He noted how the wave pool’s mechanisms, which generate consistent, predictable waves, closely simulate the foil-induced lift and control used on F50 catamarans.
This innovative training approach underscores the UAE’s commitment to pushing boundaries in sports and athlete preparation. By combining cutting-edge facilities with elite talent, Surf Abu Dhabi provides a perfect platform for competitors to sharpen their abilities, boost confidence, and gain a competitive edge ahead of one of the most anticipated sailing events in the world. Beyond fun and adrenaline, the session highlights the synergy between precision, skill, and innovation—hallmarks of both Surf Abu Dhabi and the high-octane world of SailGP racing.
