SAN DIEGO — Dylan Fletcher, an Olympic gold medalist and Moth world champion, has been appointed as the helmsman for the Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, as announced on Thursday, in preparation for the upcoming Season 5 of the prestigious international sailing league.

This decision was widely anticipated following the departure of fellow Olympic gold medalist Giles Scott, who joined the Canada SailGP Team earlier this month in a pioneering transfer fee arrangement orchestrated by Ben Ainslie, the CEO and co-owner of Emirates Great Britain.

Fletcher had previously served as the helmsman for the British team during the inaugural season of SailGP. His latest appointment comes shortly after he co-helmed INEOS Britannia alongside Ainslie in the recent America’s Cup match, where they faced off against Emirates Team New Zealand, ultimately losing 7-2, marking New Zealand’s third consecutive title. This was a significant moment for the British team as it was their first appearance in the America’s Cup match since 1964.

“I’m thrilled to be back at the helm of the F50,” Fletcher expressed in a statement. “The SailGP format features 12 boats racing on a short course at remarkable speeds in breathtaking locations, which is truly a dream. We will be competing against some of the world’s finest sailors, but I am excited to be part of such a talented team and eager to embrace the challenges ahead.”

At 36 years of age, Fletcher is set to command the British team’s high-speed foiling F50 catamaran, beginning with the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix scheduled for November 23-24.

Giles Scott had assumed the role of skipper for Emirates Great Britain mid-way through Season 4 after Ainslie shifted focus to the America’s Cup. Ainslie noted, “Dylan’s winning mindset is essential in the highly competitive environment of SailGP, and we are fortunate to have someone as driven as him in this crucial position. His experience from the America’s Cup and a full season in SailGP make him the perfect choice for the job.”

The Team GBR roster also features renowned Olympic gold medalists Hannah Mills and Iain Jensen, as well as three-time America’s Cup participants Neil Hunter, Nick Hutton, and Luke Parkinson.

In addition to the team announcement, SailGP revealed a five-year global sponsorship deal with Emirates, designating the airline as the league’s exclusive travel partner and title partner for the regattas in Dubai and the resurgence of the circuit to Britain on July 19-20 in Portsmouth.

SailGP was co-founded by technology magnate Larry Ellison and five-time America’s Cup champion Russell Coutts. The league’s schedule features 14 regattas culminating in a high-stakes, $2 million grand final showdown among the top three teams.