20 NOVEMBER 2024 // Republished from SailGP
SailGP is a nation versus nation, close-to-shore, high speed, high tech racing series like no other. This global sports championship combines cutting-edge tech, iconic global venues, elite athletes and record-breaking speeds to create the most exciting racing on water.
Founded by Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison in 2018, the league set out to redefine the future of the sport.
The Championship sees rival teams from the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Brazil, Italy, Canada, France, Denmark, Germany, Switzerland and Spain battle it out at iconic venues around the world in short, intense races for a total prize pot of USD $12.8 million.
The Championship is decided at the end of the season following a year-long competition where the best of the best rack up points to reach the Grand Final – a showdown where the top three teams go head to head to win the SailGP season trophy and USD $2 million dollars.
One part of what makes SailGP unique is that all our teams compete in identical F50 catamarans.
The F50 is a catamaran that revolutionized the sport with its foiling design, lifting the boats out of the water and allowing speeds to reach up to 60 mph. These high tech catamarans can go four times the speed of the wind.
To adapt to various wind and weather conditions, the F50 catamarans are equipped to sail with three different wing sizes, – the 18m high air wing, the 24m all purpose wing and the 29m low air wing, as well as interchangeable daggerboards and rudders. All this allows SailGP to optimize performance.
Alongside SailGP’s fast and furious racing action, the league has ambitions to be the world’s most sustainable and purpose-driven sports and entertainment platform. SailGP’s Impact League is key to this ambition; it’s a world-first initiative that sees teams compete in a second leaderboard, making sustainability essential to the fabric of sport.
SailGP is a dynamic and revolutionary sporting league that showcases the best sailing talent, cutting edge technology and a commitment to a sustainable future.
From the thrill of high speed races to the precision of maneuvers, every moment is designed to push the limits of what’s possible on the water.
ABOUT SAILGP // The most exciting racing on water, the Rolex SailGPChampionship sees national teams battling it out in identical high-tech, high-speed 50-foot foiling catamarans at iconic venues around the world. Racing faster than the wind at speeds approaching 100 km/h (60 mph), SailGP is driven by the sport’s top athletes, with national pride, personal glory, and a total prize money of US$12.8 million at stake. Powered by nature – wind, sea and sun – driven by purpose, SailGP races for a better future. Visit SailGP.com to find out more.
ABOUT DOYLE SAILS // Doyle Sails strives to deliver success through high-performance, high-quality, custom sails that continue to redefine the boundaries of sailmaking technology and innovation; whilst connecting sailors to inspire, support and encourage sailing.
Our obsession with sailing takes us to every corner of the world and onboard every yacht. We become part of teams, share in the adventures of friends and families, sharing our knowledge and experience with those with the same passion. Sailing is in our DNA, and we are the custodians of a legacy that has been supporting sailors for four decades and counting.