SailGP returns to Sydney Harbour

One of the world’s most exciting sailing races, Sail GP, will return to Sydney in December making it the first major global sports tournament to be held on the harbour since the outbreak of COVID-19. 

Tickets are on sale now for the event of the summer, taking place on December 17-18.

Australian SailGP Team sailing in front of the Opera House.
The Australian SailGP are coming third overall in the Season 2 rankings. Pic – Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Following action-packed events in Bermuda, Italy, Great Britain, Demark and Saint-Tropez, and then the first-ever Spain Sail Grand Prix in October, SailGP will return to Australian shores for the seventh event in Season 2, promising high speed, high tech and high drama.

Tom Slingsby and his Australian team are determined to out-race and out-manoeuvre the seven rival competing nations – featuring the sport’s best athletes – to taste victory in their own (world famous) backyard. Last year, more than 25,000 people turned out to watch the action, with the Sydney Grand Prix being the only event to take place before the entire 2020 season was postponed due to the global pandemic.

Australia SailGP Team driver Tom Slingsby said: “It’s been another difficult year for Australians and for the people of Sydney, which is why we are so excited to give them an awesome event to look forward to as SailGP returns this December.

“It’s been great racing in Bermuda and Europe in recent months, but the Aussie team have had these dates circled in the calendar for a long time and we can’t wait to hear the home crowd support us on Shark Island and along the harbour. It’s a great way to celebrate elite live sport in Sydney right on the eve of Christmas, and whether you’re a Sydney local or travelling from elsewhere to take it in, you won’t be disappointed.”

Tom Slingsby wearing SailGP headset and sunglasses.
Tom Slingsby said, “…we can’t wait to hear the home crowd support us on Shark Island and along the harbour.” Pic – SailGP

Fans can immerse themselves in the adrenaline-filled action as the foiling F50 catamarans, capable of speeds of nearly 60mph, race right in front of their eyes within the natural amphitheatre of Sydney Harbour.

There are a variety of multi-experience packages available; watch the action on Shark Island or cheer from the top deck of a spectator boat out on the harbour as Australia battles for victory against teams from Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the USA.

Exclusive tours will also be available to go behind the scenes at the SailGP’s team technical bases at White Bay.

Shark Island

Be front row on Shark Island, in the middle of the Sydney Harbour race course. The exclusive SailGP island arena, located in Sydney Harbour National Park, offers the best land-based view of the racing, together with big screens for action replays and live race commentary.

Official spectator boats

In partnership with Captain Cook Cruises, SailGP is offering an exclusive experience for fans seeking a day on the water and the ability to get up close and personal with Slingsby and his F50 catamaran. Open top boats offer an amazing view of the racing from inside the public exclusion zone, together with live race commentary to give the ultimate experience of the most competitive racing on-water.

Aerial shot of the Australian SailGP boat surrounded by heaps of spectator boats.
Get up close and personal with the Australian SailGP Team. Pic – Jon Buckle for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Team base tours

Fans are also able to access the SailGP Team Bases at White Bay, with an exclusive tour of the ‘pit lane garages,’ where the world-class athletes and shore teams prepare one of the world’s fastest sail racing boats for competition.

The tour offers fans a rare chance to see SailGP’s elite athletes – including Slingsby’s Australia team – and the supercharged F50 catamarans up close, as they prepare for battle on Sydney Harbour.

SailGP Adrenaline Yachts

Those seeking the ultimate luxury experience can purchase an Adrenaline Yachts package to watch the racing from the decks of a luxury yacht positioned within the public exclusion zone. Limited charter or own-boat options are available for corporate or private use.

Bring your own boat

Boat owners can soak up the electric atmosphere and action of Sydney SailGP from the comfort of their own vessel.

Boaters can register their vessel for free at SailGP.com/Sydney to receive live updates from race management, including racecourse position and timings to help get the best position on water.

Group of people on a boat waving flags, having champagne.
Don’t miss out on the SailGP action on December 17-18. Pic – Chris Elfes for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

SailGP Village

Away from the racing, the sparkling waterfront precinct of Barangaroo will host the SailGP Village. Open to the public, it will offer exciting programming for fans in the heart of the city.

The Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney is held in partnership with the New South Wales Government through Destination New South Wales, Crown Sydney and Port Authority of NSW.

For more information on tickets, see: https://www.sailgp.com/races/australia-sail-grand-prix-event-page/

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