Inside SailGP: The Fastest Race on Water

By Holly Folkard-Smith• November 27, 2025• 4 min read
Inside SailGP: The Fastest Race on Water

SailGP has quickly become one of the world’s most electrifying racing leagues, captivating global audiences with high-speed foiling catamarans, national rivalries and action-packed, stadium-style courses. Designed for spectators both on the water and at home, the league blends elite athleticism with innovative technology, making every race a must-watch moment on some of the world’s most iconic coastlines.

What is SailGP?

Launched in 2018, by Larry Ellison and Russell Coutts, SailGP is often described as “Formula 1 on water”- and for good reason. 13 national teams compete in 13 global events using identical F50 foiling catamarans, meaning victory comes down to pure strategy, teamwork and split-second precision. Points are earned at every event, building toward the season leaderboard. The top teams then advance to the winner-takes-all Grand Final, where the championship is decided in a single, dramatic match race.

Fast, fierce and surprisingly accessible, SailGP has reimagined what competitive sailing can be.

The Celebrity Era: Hugh Jackman & Ryan Reynolds Acquire Team Australia

SailGP marks a transformative moment as Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds assume ownership of BONDS Flying Roos (Team Australia), elevating the team’s global profile.

In June 2025, Jackman and Reynolds were announced as co-owners of the Australian SailGP team, while the team remains led on the water by Tom Slingsby (Olympic gold medallist) as Driver and CEO.

As a pair, Jackman has always publicly expressed his love for sailing and pride in his home-country team (Australia) and Reynolds is no stranger to sports-team ownership, following on from his acquisition of Wrexham AFC (2021). Now, alongside Slingsby, they are chasing their fourth Championship title in the upcoming 2024/25 race series.

Teams, Nations & Key Stats

With new nations joining and expanded race locations each season, SailGP continues to accelerate as one of the most dynamic global sports.

SailGP features a powerhouse lineup of national teams including Australia, New Zealand, Great Britain, Canada, France, Spain, Switzerland, Germany and the USA.

With races unfolding across coastlines such as Sydney, San Francisco, Cádiz, Dubai and Saint-Tropez.

Fast Facts:

  • F50 catamarans can exceed 100 km/hr

  • Broadcast to 193 million viewers (2023/24)

  • A $1 million prize is awarded to the winner of thee Championship Race Final

How to Experience SailGP 2026

There’s no better way to experience SailGP than from the water itself. With adrenaline-fuelled racing unfolding just metres away, an on-water charter places you at the centre of the action.

Ahoy Days offers uninterrupted views, premium comfort and a front-row seat to the world’s fastest sailing. Book instantly on ahoydays.com to experience SailGP's most defining season yet.

Watch the full BONDS Flying Roos 2024/25 (Team Australia) story here:

Don't just watch SailGP- be part of it.

From the deck of your private yacht, enjoy unobstructed views, seamless service and the rare opportunity to witness elite foiling athletes at breathtaking speeds.

View SailGP Charter Details

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