Water-based F1 racing debuts in Portsmouth, courtesy of SailGP
In the world of sailing, a modern, high-speed championship has taken the stage, promising to revolutionize traditional yacht racing. Welcome to SailGP, a global sailing competition founded in 2019, where identical 50-foot foiling catamarans race faster than the wind—over 60 mph.
Unlike traditional sailing, which often involves diverse yacht designs and longer, more tactical races, SailGP emphasizes uniform equipment, quicker formats, and spectator accessibility. The sport is designed to be engaging and commercially viable, with standard vessels, live broadcast-friendly formats, and a focus on speed, equality, and sustainability.
SailGP is often referred to as the "Formula 1 of the sea" due to its similarities with F1 racing. Both sports combine cutting-edge technology, identical competitive machinery, and a global tour calendar centered on major cities. The key similarities include standardized high-tech equipment, a series of races held in iconic locations, short, spectator-friendly, intense competitions, data-driven strategies, advanced broadcasting, and high-profile team owners and major commercial partners.
The founders, Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts, experienced in America's Cup sailing, aimed to create a commercially viable sailing league with widespread appeal beyond traditional sailing fans. They leveraged star owners, sponsorships, and data-driven engagement strategies to make SailGP accessible and exciting for all.
The races take place in various locations worldwide, such as New York, San Francisco, Geneva, St Tropez, and Abu Dhabi. Each team in SailGP, linked to a nation, competes in a weekend of races around the world. The boats come very close to each other during races, creating a sense of drama, and the races themselves are fast-paced, with three or four races of about 15 minutes each taking place on Saturdays.
SailGP is not just about the racing. Additional activities, such as the opportunity to enlist in the Navy, are often available at races like the one held in Portsmouth. The event even featured a performance by Pete Tong after the racing was over.
The top-speed of the SailGP boats can reach 52 knots under favorable wind conditions, and each team has at least one woman member, whether as the driver or tactician. After each race, there is a quick turnaround for the next race to begin.
The next SailGP race takes place in Sassnitz, Germany, from August 16-17, and SailGP will return to Portsmouth next year. With its commitment to speed, equality, global reach, and spectator engagement, SailGP represents a high-performance, high-visibility version of sailing, akin to what Formula 1 represents for motor racing.
Food and drink caterers are often present at SailGP events, offering refreshments to spectators. The excitement of sports, such as SailGP, can lead to increased appetite and thirst among attendees.
In between races, SailGP often hosts activities like concerts or opportunities to learn about different sports, such as the navy demonstrations seen at the Portsmouth event. These additional activities help to entertain and engage spectators, creating a more comprehensive sports experience.
