Shock exit and unexpected injuries: Everything you should know before SailGP Geneva

The Grand Final is set for Abu Dhabi on November 28-29, with every race live with TNT Sports on HBO Max. 

Only Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos have confirmed their place in the final, with all but two teams mathematically still in contention for the $2 million race.

With just Geneva, Dubai and Abu Dhabi left, there is still everything to play for. 

Despite the light winds expected in Geneva this weekend, a shock exit from the Brazilian team by two-time Olympic champion Martine Grael has everyone talking - after all she is one of Brazil’s most-famous sailors departing from the only Brazilian team.

The team’s statement circulated by SailGP said she had ”decided not to complete the 2026 season”, however in a post on social media, Grael declared herself ”unemployed” - leaving fans and competitors wondering what had happened. 

Grael will be replaced by British Olympic sailor Paul Goodison.

Goodison described the change as ”a bit of a scramble” saying the ”team weren’t informed” Martine was leaving. When asked why he was chosen during a press conference his response was a simple ”it’s a good choice, no?” 

In a statement on Instagram, Grael said: ”Naturally, I am disappointed with how things have unfolded with team dynamics over the past year. The team will continue in SailGP, and I will continue on my path in racing as long as my passion fuels me. One door closes, and others will open in the future.” 

As it turns out, that door opened up quicker than expected. 

Favourable in light conditions, the American team appears to be going from strength to strength. Beating Australia’s Bonds Flying Roos to the top spot at the last race in Valencia, Spain, driver Taylor Canfield said he ”always knew we had it in us”. 

However, in an unexpected turn of events, last week the team announced Canfield had sustained an ”upper body injury” and wouldn’t be competing in Geneva. Then a few days later came the news that Harry Melges IV, Canfield's temporary replacement and backup driver, suffered a ”leg injury” and was also unable to race. 

”It was really disappointing about Taylor,” said Team USA sailor Anna Weis. ”Then when we found out about Harry, I thought it was April Fool's.

”It’s a unique situation but with everything that’s transpired, we thought Martine Grael was the obvious choice. She has the experience, she’s an incredible sailor and an incredible athlete.” 

Winning the practice race together on Friday in Geneva, Weis and Greal are making history as the first two female athletes to race an F50. 

With the surprise shake up taking centre stage, Ben Ainslie’s Emirates GBR are quietly plugging away behind the scenes. The reigning champions are looking to turn their rollercoaster season around with a win in Geneva. Despite dominating the opening event of the season in Perth, they have yet to secure another win and currently sit in fifth place on 51 points.

”We’re not where we want to be and it’s crunch time for us,” explains strategist Hannah Mills. ”We’re just outside the top three and we need to put our best foot forward this weekend and come out firing.”

This might feel like deja vu for the Brits. Last season, they found themselves in a similar position before turning things around and going on to win the championship.

The stakes are high in Geneva. Australia have already secured their place in the Grand Final, but just five points separate the U.S. in third, Artemis in fourth and Emirates GBR in fifth. With Spain currently holding second, the fight for the final two places in Abu Dhabi remains wide open.

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