Imagine the exhilaration of Formula 1, but on water. That’s the essence of SailGP, the world’s fastest-growing sport and a championship unlike any other.
High-tech catamarans, nicknamed “F50s,” zip across the waves at breakneck speeds nearing 100 kilometers per hour, leaving a trail of spray and adrenaline in their wake. But what truly sets SailGP apart is its commitment to sustainability, gender equality, and attracting a star-studded audience.
Forget separate leagues for men and women. SailGP boasts mixed-gender teams, where elite female sailors like Anna Weis (Team USA) and Liv Mackay (Team New Zealand) compete alongside their male counterparts. This progressive approach is a breath of fresh air in a sport traditionally dominated by men.
“SailGP is one of the first professional sports where men and women are competing against each other and with each other, so I think it’s making a lot of progress in terms of women in sports,” Weis explains exclusively to GRAZIA USA, “sailing is a very male dominated sport, so it’s great that we have the platform in SailGP to push the limits.”
New York Thrills
The recent New York race, which took place June 22-23, was a spectacle, drawing enthusiastic crowds to Governors Island and showcasing the electrifying nature of SailGP. While Team USA didn’t clinch the win, the energy from the home fans was undeniable — as Weis highlighted in her interview with GRAZIA.
“We didn’t really get the results that we wanted but we’re making progress as a team. It’s still always an amazing feeling to be racing in front of home fans,” Weis recalls, “having all their energy and feeling supported, it’s just amazing.”
Meanwhile, Team New Zealand emerged victorious, solidifying their position as championship contenders. Mackay, still buzzing from the win, shared her excitement with us. “We’ve always talked about building momentum going into San Fran and this feels like a really positive kick for us in the right direction. We want to really push winning the event, and then into the final itself — there’s no time or shift in focus now. We really feel like we’re coming together strongly as a team,” Mackay let us in on.
“I think for us it’s really not trying to treat it too differently,” she continues. “We really enjoy the three-boat final and we’ve been focused on it quite a lot in the past. So for us, it’s all about executing and embracing the opportunity, really!”
Women at the Helm: Breaking Barriers and Blazing Trails
For SailGP, Weis isn’t just a sailor; she’s the first female grinder in the league. This groundbreaking role involves generating power by operating a winch, a physically demanding task traditionally held by men. “The hope is to get women into different roles and hope to see a woman driver next season,” Weis shares with GRAZIA. “It’s really important that we have female representation in teams, and in general, it’s time.”
Her presence, along with the other female strategists like Mackay, is a testament to the league’s commitment to inclusivity. This dedication extends beyond the racecourse. The SailGP Women’s Pathway Programme is a game-changer, providing elite female athletes with world-class training and development opportunities.
“The Women’s Pathway has been massive for me,” enthused Mackay, a product of the initiative. “My sailing skills and career have grown massively. We’ve got some incredible athletes within it so I think everyone’s just continuing to push and really show that females can be at the top of our sport,” she concludes.
Sustainability Sets Sail: A Sport for Our Future
SailGP isn’t just about speed and competition; it’s about environmental responsibility. The league is the first climate-positive sport, powered by nature with a focus on clean energy solutions. This commitment is further emphasized by the “Impact League,” a unique concept where teams are scored on their sustainability actions in addition to their racing skill. It’s a win-win for the sport and the planet.
With its focus on sustainability, gender equality, electrifying races, and a growing fanbase of celebrities and investors, SailGP is a sport poised to redefine the future of sailing. The next time you hear the roar of engines, don’t just think land. Set your sights on the horizon, where a new era of sailing is taking flight, powered by clean energy.
SailGP’s All-Star Crew: From Olympians to Hollywood
Beyond the elite athletes on the water, the league is attracting a growing list of A-list celebrities who are captivated by the sport’s glamour and drama. SailGP also boasts an impressive crew of investors and ambassadors. Lindsey Vonn, the iconic Olympic skier, recently joined the US Board of Directors, bringing her star power and passion for sport to the league. SailGP is also attracting renowned names from outside the sporting world, with actress and producer Issa Rae (and yes, that is President Barbie herself) and world champion heavyweight boxer Deontay Wilder joining the investor group.
The list doesn’t stop there. Global DJ and producer Gryffin, along with NFL stars DeAndre Hopkins, Malik Jackson, Roquan Smith, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, are also showing their support for SailGP — highlighting the broad appeal of the league, encompassing not just sports fans but those captivated by entertainment and pop culture as well.
A Global Spectacle: Setting Sail for the Future
With its innovative approach to sustainability, gender equality, and fan engagement, SailGP is capturing the imagination of a global audience. The upcoming San Francisco race, taking place July 13-14, promises to be another thrilling installment, with Team New Zealand looking to build on their winning momentum.
As more A-list celebrities join the fold, and the Women’s Pathway Programme continues to empower female athletes, SailGP is poised to become a sporting phenomenon.
