The 49er class has long been a breeding ground for some of the most talented sailors in the world. Known for its fast-paced, high-stakes racing, the class demands precision, tactical brilliance, and teamwork—qualities that have propelled many of its alumni to the forefront of global sailing.

This weekend, the skills honed in the 49er, 49erFX, and Nacra 17 classes will be on display as numerous former competitors take on the SailGP Season 5 opener in Dubai. Here’s a look at just a few of the Olympic stars competing this weekend (read the full article for the full list). 

🇦🇺 Australia

Chris Draper (Wing Trimmer): Two-time 49er World Champion and Olympic medalist, Draper brings decades of skiff sailing expertise to his team.

Jason Waterhouse (Flight Controller) – A Nacra 17 Olympic silver medalist, Jason brings a wealth of multihull expertise to the team.

🇧🇷 Brazil

Martine Grael (Driver): As a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 49erFX, Grael continues to show why she’s one of the greatest in the game.

Marco Grael (Grinder): Marco also came through the 49er ranks, bringing his skiff experience and power to the team.
🇺🇸 United States

Hans Henken (Flight Controller): Fresh off a bronze medal in the 49er at the Paris Olympics, Henken’s sharp instincts and tactical expertise are now powering Team USA.

🇮🇹 Red Bull Italy

Ruggero Tita (Driver): A two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time World Champion in the Nacra 17, Tita also sailed in the 49er early in his career. His versatility and precision make him a standout leader for the Italian squad.

🇬🇧 Emirates GBR

Dylan Fletcher (Driver): Tokyo 2020 49er champion, Fletcher has made a seamless transition from Olympic glory to professional competition.

Iain Jensen (Wing Trimmer): A 49er gold medalist in London and a silver medalist in Rio, Jensen’s expertise has been key to his team’s performance.

🇳🇿 New Zealand

Peter Burling & Blair Tuke: The duo dominated the 49er class, winning gold in Rio and silver in Tokyo and London. Their years of partnership and precision continue to shine in every fleet they enter.

🇪🇸 Spain

Diego Botin & Florian Trittel: Fresh from their gold medal in the 49er at the Paris Olympics, this dynamic duo is leading Spain’s charge with confidence and flair.

🇩🇰 Denmark

Katja Salskov-Iversen (Strategist): Rio 2016 49erFX bronze medalist, bringing sharp tactical skills to the Danish team.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Sebastien Schneiter (Driver): Seb returns to the SailGP circuit after taking a break to focus on the Paris Olympics, where he represented Switzerland in the 49er. He brings a wealth of experience and determination as he leads the Swiss team.

Arno de Planta (Reserve): A Paris Olympian in the 49er, Arno adds depth and young talent to Switzerland's growing campaign.

🇩🇪 Germany

Erik Heil (Driver): A two-time Olympic bronze medalist in the 49er, Erik leads the German SailGP team, bringing the tactical prowess and grit that defined his Olympic campaigns.

The 49er and Nacra 17 aren't just a stepping stone—it’s a proving ground. Sailors like Henken, Heil, Tita, Botin, Schneiter, Burling, Fletcher, Grael and more, have used the class to refine their skills, transitioning seamlessly to new challenges while continuing to set the standard in global sailing.

This weekend, the event in Dubai is another reminder of the 49er class’s lasting impact. Whether in foiling catamarans, Olympic fleets, or beyond, these sailors carry the lessons of skiff sailing with them: agility, teamwork, and unrelenting determination.

SailGP Dubai: Interesting Stats
92 total crew members (including coaches).
41 crew members (44.57%) have backgrounds in 49er, 49erFX, or Nacra 17.
Key Highlights:
63.64% of drivers (7/11) come from these classes.
81.82% of wing trimmers (9/11) have 49er, 49erFX, or Nacra 17 experience.
54.55% of flight controllers (6/11) have a background in these classes.
83.33% of women (10/12) in the crew have competed in the 49er, 49erFX, or Nacra 17.