On an ordinary day in the Windy City – Chicago, Illinois – something extraordinary is happening. A high-speed catamaran gracefully navigates the waters along the Navy Pier, adorned with a colossal LED clock marking the countdown for SailGP, an exhilarating evolution in sailing.
SailGP is more than just a race; it’s stadium sailing redefined, devoid of traditional starting grids and pit lanes. Elite sailors, including the legendary Sir Ben Ainslie, crisscross the globe in F50 catamarans, engaging in high-stakes battles on the open ocean for national glory. The adrenaline-fueled 15-minute races, comprising five competitions across two days and culminating in a winner-takes-all final, epitomize the pinnacle of sailing entertainment.
“People crave dynamic sports experiences,” asserts Sir Ben Ainslie, adorned with four Olympic golds and one silver. Ainslie, part of the Emirates Great Britain team, emphasizes the importance of catering to modern attention spans. “The entire SailGP league is designed with this in mind. Instead of spending an entire day on sports, viewers now get a thrilling 45-minute spectacle.”
This renewed emphasis on time and intensity draws parallels with Formula 1, with circuits spanning from Sydney to San Francisco. Ensuring spectators are engrossed from the outset, the pre-race moments become a strategic ballet. Ten teams strategically position themselves during the countdown, deciding where and how fast to commence the race. It’s a delicate dance, a symphony of calculated descents and rapid sprints, setting the stage for the ensuing sporting chaos.
Sir Ben Ainslie, tracing his sailing roots to the Cornish coast, has transcended into one of the greatest sailors. Leveraging his star status, he aims to educate a new audience on sailing intricacies, even with the looming 37th America’s Cup, considered the holy grail of sailing contests.
“What truly makes SailGP exceptional is the performance and speed of the boats, reaching up to 100kph across short race courses,” Ainslie shares. “We operate on a global circuit, featuring the world’s best sailors, pushing for inclusivity with female athletes. The centralized team management allows real-time interviews mid-race, enhancing the audience experience on land and TV.”
In a natural alliance, SailGP has partnered with Rolex, the global presenting partner and official timekeeper. Rolex’s longstanding connection with yachting, dating back to 1958, aligns seamlessly with SailGP’s commitment to precision and excellence. Ainslie, a replica Rolex Testimonee, embodies the synergy between the watchmaking giant and the sailing spectacle, enhancing the credibility of the sport.
As SailGP enters its fourth season, Rolex not only continues as a presenting partner but also takes the title sponsorship for the US Grand Prix in Chicago. The collaboration signifies watchmaking’s growing interest in sailing, mirroring the trajectory seen in Formula 1 partnerships with brands like Panerai and Omega.
While SailGP aspires for a meteoric rise akin to F1, Ainslie distinguishes the open waters as a unique realm. “Beyond glamour and history, sailing allows you to connect with nature, appreciating the beauty of the yacht, speed, and technology. It stands as the pinnacle of racing for sailors.”
In the grand symphony of wind, waves, and cutting-edge technology, SailGP continues to rock the boat, setting sail into a new era of thrilling and accessible sailing entertainment.