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Ahead of a supercharged weekend of racing on Sydney Harbour 15-16 February, the Australia SailGP Team’s revolutionary new F50 set sail on Sydney Harbour for the first time last week.

With the stage set for the world-first SailGP curtain-raiser, this session was the first opportunity for the Australia SailGP Team to practice on home waters.

Emblazoned with a giant kangaroo, the Australian flag, and green and gold paint, the crew – skippered by Olympic gold medallist and America’s cup winner Tom Slingsby – put the F50 through its paces and got to grips with the F50 on Sydney Harbour waters.

The wingsailed catamaran is the fastest and most technologically advanced class of race boat in the world, anticipated to reach speeds of up to 100kph (50+ knots). The six identical F50s competing in Sydney at the inaugural race have taken more than 135,000 man hours – equal to 67 years – to produce. They were transported from Whangarei, New Zealand, to Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour in January.

“It’s an amazing feeling to get our Australian boat on Australian water, and right here in Sydney Harbour where all the action will be happening in just over one week’s time,” said Slingsby.

“These races are going to be highly competitive, but I like our chances. It’s hard to say who will win the league and who’s going to win that first event in Sydney, but I think we’ve got a pretty good shot at it. Australians will get to witness it first-hand before anyone else in the world, so we’re hoping that home-field advantage, and having lots of fans cheering us on, will help give us the edge over the other nations.”

If you love sailing and watching elite athletes compete at the highest level, you don’t want to miss Sydney SailGP.

To make the most out of Sydney SailGP, enjoy a range of exclusive experiences, including on Shark Island, which will be transformed into the ultimate Sydney SailGP viewing destination in the middle of the race action. Captain Cook Cruises, the Official Spectator Boat Operator, also offer on-water opportunities to be front row for the fastest racing ever to hit Sydney Harbour.

Boat owners have the option to be close to the racecourse perimeter. To receive the latest race information and a free commemorative Sydney SailGP boat flag, register here. 

Below is an indicative map of the race course. The exact race course will be determined based on the anticipated wind conditions for the day and will be displayed here on the morning of each practice and race day.

Additionally, if you want to gain some behind-the-scenes knowledge the Public Viewing Area of the SailGP team bases on Cockatoo Island is perfect for you. The Guided Tours have sold out, however areas on the top of the Island are open to the general public, where you can get a birds-eye-view of the technical zone. You can also join the waitlist.

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.

Join us on Facebook @SailGPAUS and follow the Australian team as they prepare for the first race and get some behind-the-scenes insights into the technology behind the boats.

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