New Concept Energy Celebrates Sustainability in Sailing: Impact League Highlights 2025 Achievements
- The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team won first place in the Impact League for their sustainability and community efforts.
- They engaged 250,000 young people in climate education through partnerships, showcasing their commitment to clean energy and waste reduction.
- Emirates GBR's initiatives include youth development, collaboration with local academies, and promoting sustainable practices in sailing.
Impact League Highlights Sustainable Initiatives in Sailing
In the 2025 season of the Impact League, a competition that evaluates the positive contributions of sailing teams both on and off the water, the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team secures first place, marking its second consecutive victory. This league features 48 projects assessed by 20 jurors over 114 hours of evaluation, showcasing the commitment of participating teams to sustainability and community engagement. The Emirates GBR team's noteworthy achievements include the expansion of a youth development program that enabled athlete Kai Hockley to secure a full-time position, as well as initiatives focused on waste reduction through equipment reuse.
The team demonstrates a robust commitment to climate education, engaging 250,000 young people through projects in partnership with Goodwall. They also prioritize clean energy at SailGP events by collaborating with Low Carbon and utilizing portable solar technologies. Sir Ben Ainslie, CEO and co-owner of Emirates GBR, expresses pride in the team’s repeat recognition, highlighting their collaboration with the Greig City Academy to promote youth involvement in sailing and the hosting of Foiling Academies in Weymouth. This focus on education and community empowerment exemplifies the broader role of sailing in fostering environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Mubadala Brazil garners the second position in the league, represented by Martine Grael, the first female driver in the Rolex SailGP Championship, who receives the Breaking Boundaries award. Their initiatives include the restoration of Pombeba Island in Guanabara Bay and raising awareness about climate adaptation within the favelas of Rio de Janeiro. The team, which is comprised of 50% women, has established a clinic for female sailors, instrumental in nurturing the next generation of Brazilian female sailors. These efforts not only enhance visibility for women in the sport but also contribute to community resilience against climate challenges.
In summary, the Impact League serves as a platform for sailing teams to showcase their dedication to sustainability and social responsibility. With teams like Emirates GBR and Mubadala Brazil leading the charge, the league emphasizes the potential of sports to drive meaningful change in environmental and social contexts, paving the way for future initiatives within the sailing community.