Ocean Club in action

The Australian Team, skippered by Tom Slingsby, thrilled the home crowd with a dominant performance in the fleet races, finishing day one at the top of the leaderboard and securing three race wins across the series.

Their consistency earned them a spot in the winner-takes-all final against Emirates Great Britain and Northstar Canada. However, it was the British team, driven by Dylan Fletcher and supported by a formidable crew – including Iain Jensen, Luke Parkinson, Neil Hunter, Nick Hutton, and strategist Hannah Mills – that ultimately claimed victory.

Their triumph not only secured the KPMG Australia SailGP title but also extended their lead in the Rolex SailGP Season 5 standings. The win was undoubtedly a boost for team CEO Sir Ben Ainslie, whose recent America’s Cup developments, including his split from INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have kept him in the spotlight.

Sydney also played host to some historic SailGP firsts, with the French team unveiling their impressive new boat, while Australian spectators got their first look at the Brazilian and Italian teams in action. Unfortunately, the USA team suffered a setback when a capsize before Friday’s practice racing caused damage that ruled them out of competition. Fans will now have to wait until the Los Angeles event to see the full 12-team lineup battle it out.

Throughout the weekend, Ocean Club guests were unanimous in their praise of the event. Record-holding sailor and adventurer Lisa Blair reflected on the privilege of witnessing the action up close.

“It was fantastic to see Australia take two wins, and we were able to get so close to the actual rounding marks,” she said. “These sorts of opportunities go a long way in allowing me to network with people I wouldn’t normally have access to. Being invited along is an honour.”

Lisa also highlighted the growing support for sustainability initiatives within the sailing industry. “Hillary is ahead of the curve in sustainability and involved in the HBO biofuel space. For her to throw her weight behind me and my Climate Action Now campaign is invaluable, and I will always support her however I can. It’s been a really great partnership.”

Vincent Cuche, Head of Grand Seiko, was equally thrilled to be out on the water for SailGP Sydney. “It was really amazing. It is always a fantastic day at the SailGP,” he said.

“Sydney Harbour when it is windy, not windy, sunny, rainy, it is always a great day, and it was packed with action today. I only wish that the Aussies did a little bit better. But overall, a fantastic day. Shore Thing is the best platform – it has a lot of places to view the race, spots with sun, spots with shade.”

GCCM extends its gratitude to the Ocean Media team for delivering another exceptional SailGP experience in Sydney. Against the stunning backdrop of one of the world’s most iconic harbours, guests enjoyed two days of high-energy racing, world-class hospitality, and connections that will last well beyond the final race.

The event was a perfect blend of sport, celebration, and networking, reaffirming why SailGP Sydney remains one of the most highly anticipated stops on the global circuit.

As the F50s now set their sights on the next event, the memories of this incredible weekend on Shore Thing – where sailing excellence met impeccable hospitality – will no doubt stay with guests for a long time to come.

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