Chance at glory
U.S. SailGP Team unveils all-new design featuring Lady Liberty on the wingsail of its F50.
24 April 2019
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With two weeks until SailGP’s inaugural stateside racing, the U.S. SailGP team made a splash when its F50 racing catamaran was hoisted into the waters of San Francisco Bay for the very first time.
The U.S. was the first boat on the water, grabbing the attention of shore-side and on-water viewers alike. Each SailGP team will be racing identical wingsailed F50s, which have been specifically designed and engineered for SailGP competition.
These technologically advanced boats showcase the most precise and skilled sailing in the world. Capable of reaching speeds never before seen in on-water racing, the hydrofoiling F50 is powered by a 78-foot wingsail and features cutting-edge technology that’s been in development for nearly 10 years. During San Francisco competition, sailors are anticipated to break sailing’s elusive 50 knot barrier, which translates to astonishing speeds of 60 mph.
The boat now features the Statue of Liberty on both the wingsail and on either side of the hull, adding to the patriotic flair of the boat sailed by an all-American crew.
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“I love the new branding,” said helmsman Rome Kirby. “We changed it up for the U.S. debut and are excited to get the new look out on the water. It’s going to unreal to watch these boats in action. It’s so intense on the boat, and I’m sure you can see that off the boat.
There is a high chance we will break the 50-knot barrier. It will be a wild ride.”
San Francisco Bay is known for its strong sea breezes and tidal flows and will present exciting challenges to each of the six national teams. Competing in a total of five short-format fleet races over the two-day period, the top two teams will face off in a match race finale on Sunday, May 5 to determine the San Francisco SailGP champion.
SailGP is redefining the sport, offering the next generation of high-adrenaline, competitive sailing. Bringing the sport closer to fans than ever before, spectators in the Bay Area will be afforded the opportunity to witness the action up close as teams representing the United States, Australia, China, France, Great Britain and Japan battle for the title on May 4 and 5.
Following the San Francisco grand prix, SailGP heads to New York (June 21-22) and Cowes, England (August 10-11), before the Marseille, France, final (September 20-22). The season will conclude with a $1 million winner-takes-all match race to determine the overall champion.
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