Soft launch

Sydney Harbour was awash with colour today as the revolutionary SailGP F50s of Australia, China, Great Britain, France, Japan and the United States lined up on the water together for the first time just one week out from the inaugural Sydney race.

The teams hit the water in their identical, 2,400kg supercharged catamarans as part of the first official Sydney SailGP rehearsal. The spectacle included a practice start, before the teams completed laps of the race track.

The Japan SailGP Team boat was unveiled at Cockatoo Island on Sydney Harbour. The Japanese F50 catamaran – which will be raced for the first time on Sydney Harbour on 15-16 February – features a clean white hull with a distinctive red rising sun on the bows. The striking wing design is based on traditional Japanese artwork, Ukiyoe.

“I can only say thank you to everyone who made this happen today. I really appreciate their efforts,” said Kazuhiko Sofuku, Japan SailGP Team chief operating officer. “The boat has now been handed to the sailors for testing and training; we still have a lot to do before racing begins next week, but we will be ready. I am grateful to SailGP for giving Japanese sailors the opportunity to be on the start line in what will be the most exciting professional sailing league in the world.”