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Sydney showdown

Sydney Harbour is one of the most beautiful natural harbours in the world and an iconic backdrop for the first inaugural SailGP event.


Photography by SailGP

15 November 2018

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SailGP is sailing redefined. Launched in London on 3 October 2018, SailGP is an annual, global sports league featuring bold, cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring athleticism. The fan-centric, inshore racing takes place in some of the most iconic harbours around the globe and culminates with a $1 million winner-takes-all match race. Rival national teams battle it out in identical supercharged F50 catamarans, engineered for intense racing at electrifying speeds exceeding 50 knots (nearly 60 mph/100 kph).

 “SailGP distills all of the most successful, exciting and relevant elements of high-performance, professional racing, while adding the extra edge that comes with nation-versus-nation competition. We are aiming to be pioneers of new technologies, boat design, commercial partnerships and global audience engagement. But with every crew on the same groundbreaking F50 catamaran, this isn’t a tech arms race, rather the ultimate test to establish the best sailing team in advanced foiling catamarans”, said Russell Coutts, SailGP CEO.

Kicking off in Sydney on 15 and 16 February 2019, SailGP’s inaugural season will feature teams representing six countries – Australia, China, France, Great Britain, Japan and the United States. Sanctioned by World Sailing, each grand prix will comprise two competition days with five fleet races, culminating in a final match race between the two leaders.

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The Teams

The six teams for the inaugural SailGP season feature some of the best young talent in the sport, with more than a few accomplished veterans sprinkled across the crew lists as well. With a strong nationality component to the circuit, many of the sailing teams are 100% national and feature Olympic stars, match race tour champions and America’s Cup winners. SailGP is a best-on-best competition and the talent pool reflects that ethos. Talented, athletic and hyper-competitive, the sailors comprise some of the top athletes in our sport. And each will be pushed to their limits and beyond as they seek glory on the top circuit in sailing.

Australia SailGP Team #TeamAus

Australia’s crew blends winning pedigree and youthful talent. Skippered by America’s Cup winning tactician Tom Slingsby, the Australia SailGP team is a fully national crew with young, yet experienced sailors. Slingsby himself is a gold medalist, while wing-trimmer Kyle Langford is a fellow America’s Cup winner and round the world race sailor. Ky Hurst and Sam Newton are all teammates of Slingsby from the last America’s Cup in Bermuda while Hurst is a celebrated Olympic swimmer, surf lifesaver and Ironman. They are joined by Olympian and former youth World Champion, Jason Waterhouse.

SailGP Sydney Grand Prix

With just three months until the first race, and the iconic backdrop of Sydney Harbour, it will be a thrilling sight to watch the supercharged F50 catamarans charging down the harbour as the teams battle it out on the water for their countries.

The event will not only showcase the revolutionary new concept in sailboat racing but also the best the Harbour has to offer, with a great range of free and ticketed spectator experiences on- and off-water.

Tickets for SailGP Sydney Grand Prix go on sale on 22 November and are strictly limited.

How can you get your front row seat to all the action?

Official Boater Registration Program

Bring your own boat and watch the action by registering for our free boater registration program to receive important race management information including: race timings, spectator zones, access restrictions and the latest racecourse maps. As part of this program you will also receive an exclusive commemorative SailGP Sydney boat flag and the chance to win a VIP tour of SailGP Australia’s base on Cockatoo Island.

 

Official Spectator Boats – Captain Cook Cruises

Bringing with them 40+ years of experience in cruising Sydney Harbour, Captain Cook Cruises have designed exclusive SailGP Official Spectator Boat experiences to cater for individuals and families. Official Spectator Boats will have a preferred viewing position on the race area perimeter. SailGP Club Pass provides all the thrills onboard the super cruiser Sydney 2000 including standing buffet, premium beer, wine and soft drinks plus spectacular viewing over four decks. A SailGP Fan Pass gets you onboard and bring your own snacks with drinks for purchase on our fan-centric cruising catamarans.

 

Official Viewing Area – Shark Island

Literally in the middle of the action, the Official Viewing Area on Shark Island offers the ultimate SailGP experience with the best vantage point to view the races. The area will be transformed into an exclusive spectator venue complete with a big screen showing live race coverage and commentary. Along with dedicated shore-to-shore transfers from Man-O-War steps, you will receive a gourmet food hamper and a premium open bar on the Island. Tickets are limited for this amazing experience.

 

SailGP Sydney Grand Prix Team Bases – Guided Public Tours & Public Viewing Area

SailGP Sydney Grand Prix Team Base are located at the historic Cockatoo Island, which will be a hive of activity in the lead up to race days as the national teams and technical crews work to prepare their hi-tech F50’s. This spectacular venue will also provide you with the opportunity to see the F50 catamarans and teams before they take to the water to race. Free guided public tours through the SailGP Team Bases provide expert commentary of the teams’ operations and preparations ahead of the first SailGP event. Tours are a free ticketed experience of 30 minutes, with a limit of 20 people per tour.

A free public viewing area in the SailGP Sydney Team Base will give fans the chance to see supercharged F50 catamarans being launched into Sydney Harbour, and watch the Team Bases in operation. Access to the Viewing Area requires a moderate level of fitness as there are a number of stairs to reach the viewing platform.

 

Tickets for SailGP Sydney Grand Prix go on sale on 22 November and are strictly limited. For exclusive  pre-sale access for Ocean Magazine readers visit: http://sail.gp/SydneyGP

(available until midnight 21 November, while stocks last).

 

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