On the world stage

Ineos Team UK set to take over Britain’s entry in SailGP next year.

27 November 2019

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Ben Ainslie and Ineos Team UK have entered into a one-year commercial agreement to join the Great Britain SailGP Team, with Ainslie to take over at the helm.

The new look team will utilise a combination of athletes from Ineos Team UK – the British challenger for the America’s Cup – and existing members of the Great Britain SailGP Team.

The crew will pilot the revolutionary F50, which this year eclipsed the 50-knot speed barrier for the first time ever in sail racing, against at least five other national teams beginning in Sydney on February 28-29.

“We couldn’t be more pleased to have one of the most successful Olympic athletes of all time – across any sport – join our global championship,” said SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts. “With crucial support from INEOS, Sir Ben Ainslie and the Great Britain SailGP Team will be contenders from day one and will create even more thrilling competition across our growing league.”

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Current Great Britain SailGP Team grinder Matt Gotrel joins Ainslie as the second official team member of the 2020 squad. The 30-year old British Olympic champion rower will also join Ainslie and INEOS TEAM UK in their America’s Cup campaign.

“SailGP has proven itself as one of the most exciting sailing leagues, with top level competition and racing in iconic venues across the world,” said Ainslie.

“The cutting-edge technology, speed and athletic requirements of the championship will provide a great sporting challenge. The Great Britain SailGP Team had a fantastic first season, and we’re excited to be part of this journey as the league continues to grow.”

INEOS TEAM UK’s family of partners – INEOS, Belstaff and Grenadier – will support the Great Britain SailGP Team, while AFEX joins the team as an additional Supporting Partner.

“The desire for INEOS and Ben Ainslie – alongside Belstaff, Grenadier and AFEX – to be part of SailGP is further testament to the commercial viability of our platform,” said Coutts of the league, which saw a total global TV audience of 256 million in its first season of operation.

sailgp.com

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