Coming home

SailGP has confirmed that for the second time, the Australia Sail Grand Prix will be included in Season 2.

17 June 2021

Organisers of SailGP have announced this week that Sydney Harbour will be the site for the ninth event of the global championship’s second season, currently scheduled for 17–18 December.

Sail GP Season 2 initially commenced in Sydney Harbour, 28–29 February 2020, drawing 25,000 spectators and reaching up to 39 million people worldwide. However, due to COVID-19, the season was subsequently postponed and the results of the Sydney stage were voided.

Today’s decision confirms that the Australian Sail Grand Prix will once again be an included, scored event of SailGP Season 2.

“Having eight F50s lined up and racing on Sydney Harbour is going to be a pretty spectacular sight for fans, and with the calibre of sailors we have on these boats this year, we can expect action-packed racing,” said Olympic gold medallist and the Australia SailGP Team CEO/Helmsman Tom Slingsby.

Japan SailGP Team helmed by Nathan Outteridge in action during a practice session ahead of Sydney SailGP, Event 1 Season 2 in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 20 February 2020. Photo: Sam Greenfield for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Spain SailGP Team helmed by Phil Robertson and Denmark SailGP Team helmed by Nicolai Sehested cross paths as they sail alongside Sydney Harbour Bridge during a practice session ahead of Sydney SailGP, Event 1 Season 2 in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 21 February 2020. Photo: Ugo Fonolla for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Spain SailGP Team helmed by Phil Robertson launch their F50 catamaran for the first time ahead of Sydney SailGP, Event 1 Season 2 in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 18 February 2020. Photo: Brian Carlin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Aerial view of the fleet racing side by side during practice ahead of the Sydney SailGP, Event 1 Season 2 in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 27 February 2020. Photo: David Gray for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

The fleet start the first race on Race Day 2. Sydney SailGP, Event 1 Season 2 in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 29 February 2020. Photo: Sam Greenfield for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Spain SailGP Team helmed by Phil Robertson leads Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Ben Ainslie and Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby past Sydney Harbour Bridge during a practice session ahead of Sydney SailGP, Event 1 Season 2 in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia. 25 February 2020. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

“We lost to Ben Ainslie’s British team at last year’s Sydney event, so we are focused on getting revenge and winning the event for Australia in front of a home crowd.”

Through Destination New South Wales, the NSW Government has been named as the Official Host Venue Partner for the event.

Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney Stuart Ayres said on the partnership, “Events such as the Australia Sail Grand Prix will see participants and spectators flock to Sydney, delivering an economic boost to our city, and helping rejuvenate NSW’s major events industry, following the crippling effects of COVID-19.”

“Furthermore, the event enhances our city’s reputation as Australia’s premier sporting destination, once again showcasing Sydney on a global stage to prospective international visitors and sporting fans.”

According to a press release provided by SailGP, the Sydney Harbour stage of SailGP Season 2 saw a total spend of AU$29 million in relation to the 2020 Sydney event – resulting in a total economic impact of AU$26.6 million for the NSW economy.

“In 2019, the inaugural SailGP season attracted a worldwide broadcast audience of 257 million across five events, as well as over 133,000 spectators,” Ayers concluded.

Crown Sydney has also been listed the Official Hotel and Entertainment Partner for the December rally and will host SailGP’s VIP Adrenaline Lounge guest programme.

Separate from the racing, Barangaroo will feature the SailGP Village while the Port Authority of NSW will join the event as an Official Partner, working with SailGP to facilitate team bases in the heart of White Bay.

Following Sydney, SailGP will head to New Zealand in January 2022, followed by San Francisco, which will host the winner-takes-all Grand Final on 26-27 March.

sailgp.com

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