Mubadala Capital and SailGP Announce Strategic Investment in New Brazilian Team
Mubadala Capital, the asset management subsidiary of Mubadala Investment Company, and SailGP, the premier global racing championship, have announced a landmark investment to establish a new SailGP team representing Brazil. This move marks Brazil as the first South American team to join the SailGP league, kicking off a wave of new teams and ownerships set for Season 5.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts celebrated the announcement, stating, “Brazil’s remarkable history in Olympic sailing makes it fitting for them to now compete in SailGP’s professional arena. This expands SailGP into a significant new market, and we are thrilled to enhance Brazil’s passionate sailing fan base and strengthen our regional ties.”
Oscar Fahlgren, Chief Investment Officer of Mubadala Capital, echoed this enthusiasm: “Partnering with SailGP to create the first South American SailGP Team complements our investment portfolio and aligns with our long-term commitment to Brazil. This venture will also enhance our capacity to generate positive social and environmental impacts.”
The newly formed Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will collaborate with Brazilian sports and entertainment firm IMM. Led by ex-Olympic sailor Alan Adler, IMM organizes iconic events such as the Rio Open, Cirque Du Soleil, and São Paulo Fashion Week. Adler, also CEO of Brazil Motor Sports, the promoter of the São Paulo Grand Prix Formula 1 race, expressed his excitement: “We’re eager to engage Brazilian fans and bring this dynamic team to life. The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will inspire our community and promote the sport across South America.”
Brazil’s debut in SailGP is set for November 2024 with the start of Season 5. SailGP features national teams racing high-tech, 50-foot foiling catamarans at renowned venues worldwide. Currently in its fourth season, SailGP hosts 13 events annually, with plans for further expansion in Season 5.
The formation of the Brazilian team signifies a deepening relationship between SailGP and Mubadala. Last year, Mubadala announced its Global Partnership with SailGP, a commitment extending through the 2026 season. Mubadala will also be the Title Partner for SailGP’s New York event this weekend, having previously sponsored events in San Francisco and Abu Dhabi.
Brian Lott, Mubadala’s Chief Communications Officer, highlighted the partnership’s broader goals: “We are building a community with SailGP dedicated to bettering the sport and the planet. Our responsible investing approach aligns perfectly with SailGP’s ambition to be the most sustainable, purpose-driven global sports platform. This partnership reflects our dedication to supporting the communities where we invest, integrating our capital deployment with local community engagement.”
Beyond racing, the partnership includes a new production collaboration with Strata Manufacturing, a Mubadala-owned aerospace facility, to develop new SailGP hydrofoils and rudders for Season 5, along with other key components of the F50 catamarans. This collaboration emphasizes sustainability, merging responsible investment practices with advanced technology and promoting environmental stewardship in sports. Mubadala will also continue supporting SailGP Inspire, the league’s youth outreach and education program, which has engaged over 21,256 participants to date.
For more updates and developments, stay tuned to SailGP’s expanding global journey.
Beginning tomorrow (Saturday, June 22), the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix marks the penultimate stop on the Season 4 calendar before the winner-takes-all Grand Final in San Francisco (July 13-14). Tune into this weekend’s action, or catch it in person – with tickets available at SailGP.com/NewYork.
