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Sydney Harbour - an iconic backdrop for the SailGP’s inaugural event

SailGP is sailing redefined. Launched in London on 3 October 2018, SailGP is an annual, global sports championship featuring bold, cutting-edge technology and awe-inspiring athleticism. The fan-centric, inshore racing takes place in some of the most iconic harbors around the globe and culminates with a USD$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).

Kicking off in Sydney on 15/16 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 leading nations.

The Athletes

The six teams for the inaugural SailGP season feature some of the best young talent in the sport, along with some of the most decorated veterans. With a strong nationality requirement, most of the teams are 100 percent national and feature Olympic stars, World Match Racing Tour champions and America’s Cup winners. SailGP is intended to be a best-on-best competition and the rosters reflect that ethos. Talented, athletic and hyper-competitive, the sailors comprise some of the best and most exciting athletes in sailing.

Australia SailGP Team

Australia’s crew blends winning pedigree and youthful talent. Skippered by Olympic champion and America’s Cup winning tactician Tom Slingsby, the Australia SailGP Team is a fully national crew with young, yet experienced sailors. In addition to Slingsby, wing trimmer Kyle Langford is a fellow America’s Cup winner. Ky Hurst and Sam Newton were teammates with Slingsby and Langford at the 35th America’s Cup last year, while Hurst is also a celebrated Olympic swimmer, surf lifesaver and Ironman. They are joined by Olympian and former youth world champion Jason Waterhouse.

Sydney SailGP

With one month until the first event, it will be a thrilling sight to watch the supercharged F50 catamarans ripping through the iconic waters of Sydney Harbour as the teams battle it out for their countries. The event will not only showcase a 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. Get your tickets now: SailGP.com/Sydney.

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

The Ultimate Sydney SailGP Experience - Shark Island

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

Official Spectator Boats – Captain Cook Cruises

With 40+ years of experience cruising Sydney Harbour, Captain Cook Cruises have designed exclusive SailGP Official Spectator Boat experiences to cater to 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 a standing buffet; premium beer, wine and soft drinks; and spectacular viewing over four decks. Alternatively, the cost-effective SailGP Fan Pass allows guests to bring their own snacks with drinks available for purchase on the fan-centric cruising catamarans.

Sydney SailGP Team Bases - Guided Public Tours & Public Viewing Area

Sydney SailGP Team Bases 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 the high-tech and all-new F50s. This spectacular venue will also provide 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 at the Sydney SailGP Team Bases also provides a chance to see the technical crews and teams in action, and the F50s being launched into Sydney Harbour. Please note, access to the viewing area requires a moderate level of fitness as there are a number of stairs to reach the viewing platform.

Official Boater Registration Program

SailGP also offers a complimentary registration program for fans wishing to watch the action from the comfort of their own boat. Registrants will receive important race management information, including detailed schedules, spectator zones, access restrictions and the latest race maps. In addition, participants in the Boater Program will receive a commemorative Sydney SailGP boat flag. Register at SailGP.com/Sydney.

To find out more about Sydney SailGP, visit SailGP.com/Sydney and use the code SGP19VIP20 to access an exclusive 20 percent discount on tickets.

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