Dorset Olympic sailor hails SailGP training base as ‘game changer’

Dorset Olympic gold medallist Dylan Fletcher has praised the new SailGP training facility in Pensacola, Florida, as a “game changer” for Emirates GBR as they bid to retain their championship title.

Fletcher, who won gold at the 2020 Olympics in the 49er class, believes the brand-new purpose-built facility will give SailGP teams a significant boost by providing more opportunities to train on the water outside race weekends.

Speaking after seeing the facility for the first time, he said, “It’s incredible to be here… It’s an absolutely fantastic facility. It’s really blown us away.”

The defending champions face a huge challenge in qualifying for the winner-takes-all grand final in Abu Dhabi next month, where only the top three teams in the championship qualify. Emirates GBR are sat in fifth with two Grands Prix to go.

At the base, the teams receive access to an identical F50 foiling catamaran, allowing the athletes to replicate the demands of the actual competition.

“To finally have a facility where we can get out in an identical F50 and go and train… is really a game changer for us and all teams.”

It also includes a gym and simulator, offering teams the chance to work together off the water as well. Fletcher believes the additional training will help develop younger sailors as well as strengthen the current teams.

“The challenge is always trying to bring up the next generation and give them opportunities to get on the water when we’re so limited during training or during race weekends,” he said.

Fletcher says the immediate focus is making the most of the opportunity before the end of the main season in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for Emirates GBR. He admitted the team has work to do if it is to reach the Grand Final, highlighting lighter winds and starting performances as key priorities.

“Our starting hasn’t been good enough, plain and simple,” he said.

Fletcher is hopeful that the new facility will provide the platform for a late charge towards the title.

“Hopefully, this is the springboard to success where we can retain our title,” he said.

Emirates GBR are six points off the required third place to reach the Grand Final with two Grands Prix to go.