Hunt for glory
The world’s fastest and most exhilarating sail racing championship will return to Sydney Harbour in February 2020.
28 January 2020
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Defending champions Australia, led by Tom Slingsby, prepare to face new threats in the second inaugural season including the introduction of one of the worlds most decorated Olympic sailors, Ben Ainsle, as the new Helmsman of the Great Britain crew.
The season two opener in Sydney Harbour follows an action packed first series of SailGP, that saw London Olympic Games champion Tom Slingsby lead Australia to victory over China, France, Great Britain, Japan and the United States to take home the trophy and historic US$1 million championship prize.
Asked about the team’s historic win Slingsby said “I like to think that Australia has some of the best sailors in the world; to be able to cement our country as the champions in the first inaugural season SailGP season was a huge honour.”
“I can still remember how my hands were shaking on the wheel as we approached the finish line. I have sailed into the finish line in the Olympics and the Americas Cup and I can tell you I have never had that reaction before. It just shows how much the moment meant to me and to win the SailGP championship with this team,” said Slingsby.
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Slingsby and the Australia team will now prepare to compete in SailGP Season 2, which will be returning to the iconic Sydney Harbour for the first event on February 28 and 29.
“I’ve raced around the world for my whole life and I don’t usually have friends and family to watch me, so to race and lead an Australian team in this type of boat on the Harbour is massive for me. We are all very focused on delivering another victory for Australia at Sydney SailGP,” said Slingsby.
Sydney Harbour is expected to erupt with heart pumping drama as the Australia team will have to contend with with one of the most successful sailors in Olympic history, after British superstar Ben Ainslie signed up for the 2020 series.
Asked about the threat of Ainslie and Great Britain next year, Slingsby said: “He’s an unbelievable competitor, for me I think it’s his determination and hunger to win is what really sets him apart from other people. Aussie fans can expect to see a good fight on Sydney Harbour in February, I’ve sailed both with and against Ben I think he’s going to be really hard to beat.”
Australian sports and lifestyle lovers can now secure their spot on Sydney Harbour to witness the fastest boats in the world battle, with a range of ticketed packages on offer to suit every spectator.
Tickets for the Sydney SailGP are already selling fast, with Slingsby stating “We’ll sell out easily for February, and aside from that, we’ll have so many people out there on their own boats.”
“It’s unbelievable the traction we’ve got in one year and my goal is for it be a household event every February where everyone can have a party out on the water and watch the fastest boats in the world race.”
CENTRE OF THE ACTION- ISLAND ARENA- SHARK ISLAND
Located on Shark Island, the SailGP ‘Island Arena’ will be the centre of the action – placing fans directly in the middle of the harbour with spectacular views of the world’s only on-water grand prix. Premium ticket packages offer shore transfers and an open bar and a gourmet picnic hamper.
ON-WATER ACTION- SPECTATOR BOATS
For those looking for on-water experiences to get even closer to the action, they can book a spot on one of SailGP’s official spectator boats, operated by Captain Cook Cruises. This superior cruising experience features front-row seats at the edge of the racecourse perimeter, inside the event exclusion zone, with an open bar and buffet lunch included in the premium ticket price.
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS- TWO DAY EXPERIENCE PACKAGE
Two-day Island Arena and on-water packages are also available, allowing you the opportunity to watch the two days of racing from both the Island Arena and the official spectator boats.
LUXURY ADRENALINE YACHTS
Purchase an Adrenaline Yachts package and watch the race from the deck of a luxury yacht positioned right by the racecourse.For further information contact: hbuckman@oceanmedia.com.au or phone +61 (0)2 9002 3340
BRING YOUR OWN BOAT
Simply register your own boat for free at sailgp.com/sydney to receive live updates from race management including race course position and timings, to help you get the best position on the water on race day.
BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR
Fans can also get behind the scenes access of SailGP with exclusive tours of the “pit-lane garages” at SailGP’s technical base on Cockatoo Island as the athletes and their shore teams get ready to go all out on Sydney Harbour. The 30-minute tours run three times daily from 17 to 27 February, and are led by a professional sailor providing expert commentary.
Tickets are available now, with AUD$2 from every ticket sold going to SailGP Inspire – SailGP’s youth and community outreach arm.
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