Martine Grael at the NYC SailGP
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Martine Grael: The First Female Driver In SailGP History

From Olympic gold to making history as SailGP’s first female driver, Martine Grael is making history.

Explore the legacy, $5M net worth, and high-speed career of Brazil’s elite sailing pioneer.

Brief overview of Martine Grael’s career in SailGP

Martine Grael is a Brazilian sailing driver best known for her Olympic success and transition into elite professional sailing. She began competing as a child in the early 2000s and progressed through youth and Olympic classes into international competition. 

The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team racing in NYC
The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team racing in NYC

Grael is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a former 49er FX World Champion, winning the world title in 2014. In the 2020s, she expanded her career beyond Olympic sailing and moved into professional league racing. 

She currently competes in SailGP as a driver and team captain, representing Brazil on the global stage.

Martine Grael’s age, family and early life

Martine Grael was born on February 12, 1991, in Niterói, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. She comes from one of Brazil’s most accomplished sailing families. Her father, Torben Grael, won five Olympic medals between 1984 and 2004, while her uncle, Lars Grael, competed at multiple Olympic Games. 

Her brother, Marco Grael, also pursued a professional sailing career. Growing up near Guanabara Bay, Martine was exposed to sailing from an early age and began competing seriously in national and international events by around 2003.

How did Martine Grael get to SailGP?

After success in youth and Olympic classes, Martine Grael moved into offshore racing. In 2017, she joined Team AkzoNobel for the Volvo Ocean Race, a grueling round-the-world event that started in Alicante, Spain. By doing so, she became the first Brazilian woman to compete in the race.

The 2025 Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team
The 2025 Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team

This pushed her into high speed foiling boats and mixed gender crews. And by 2024, after several successes across various competitions, SailGP named her captain of the Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team, marking Brazil’s return to the championship.

Notable moments and races in Martine Grael’s career

One of the most memorable races of Martine Grael's career was in 2014, when she won the 49er FX World Championship. 

In August 2016, she won Olympic gold at the Rio de Janeiro Games, competing on home waters in Guanabara Bay. She repeated the achievement at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, held in 2021, securing her second Olympic gold medal.

In 2025, Grael made history by becoming the first female driver in SailGP.

Martine Grael height: How tall is Martine Grael ?

Martine Grael is listed at approximately 5 feet 6 inches tall.

What is Martine Grael’s net worth?

Martine Grael has an estimated net worth of about $5 million. Most of her income comes from Olympic funding, professional sailing contracts, sponsorship deals, and team leadership roles. 

Her Olympic gold medals in 2016 and 2021 significantly increased her global profile, while her SailGP captaincy in the mid-2020s provides a consistent professional platform.

Martine Grael’s relationship status: Who is Martine Grael’s husband?

Martine Grael keeps her private life out of the public spotlight. As of 2025, she has not publicly confirmed being married and has not disclosed a partner. There are no verified reports of children.

Looking for more on SailGP?

We highly recommend checking out our other SailGP coverage to ensure you never miss out on all the activities and events happening throughout the race weekend!

Looking for the best SailGP ticket and travel deals? We have you covered for every race on the calendar.

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