The SailGP Experience in NYC

SpinSheet experiences the SailGP race and race village in New York.

When the Rolex SailGP Championship brought its exciting high-performance foiling multihulls to the East Coast on June 7-8, we encouraged Chesapeake sailors to go see the racing—and we took our own advice—as fans poured onto Governor’s Island in New York Harbor for shoreline viewing, a lively race village, and all the buzz one would expect from a fast-paced international sporting event, SpinSheet was among the exuberant fans there to take in the sights and sounds.

If you are not familiar, SailGP is a nation versus nation, close-to-shore, high-speed sailboat racing series founded in 2018. The one design F50s are lightweight carbon-fiber catamarans with hydrofoil technology that can reach speeds of 60 mph. Each team must have at least one woman among its six sailors onboard. The series is now in its fifth season.

I was curious about the attraction to these high-tech boats and the elite athletes who sail them. Of course, I wasn’t the only one who traveled to see these rocket ships up close and in person. At our hotel were fans from around the region decked out in sailing-logoed clothing, and back at my desk in Annapolis I learned after the fact that one of our SpinSheet Start Sailing Now alums was there too.

The SailGP spectator experience is more than just race viewing. First off, it’s hard to beat the venues they select. For the New York stop at the tip of Manhattan, fans hopped aboard ferries to Governor’s Island for waters-edge viewing. The backdrop included the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and with a glance to the left from the grandstand spectators could glimpse the Verrazano Bridge. Behind us towered One World Trade Center. Pretty cool.

Second, in the week leading up to the event popular culture helped stir more buzz when the Australia team announced new celebrity co-owners Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. Meanwhile, on the sports betting scene, it was announced SailGP would work with DraftKings and Bet365, among other platforms, beginning with the NYC races, to allow live betting.

Finally, DJ Khaled, the recently named SailGP ‘Chief Hype Officer,’ and his big personality were in the house, pumping up the crowed in the race village and from the water. An American DJ and record producer, DJ Khaled’s popularity with young people has helped introduce the sport to a new audience and dramatically grown SailGP’s social media exposure.

For fans on Governor’s Island, the dynamic race village set the stage. A brass band entertained those waiting for the gates to open, then made its way throughout the village. The shoreline promenade to the grandstand brought opportunities for fans to try model boat racing, drive an F50 race simulator, handle the wing of a wing surfer, purchase SailGP merch, and much more. For those willing to pay, the luxurious adrenaline lounge provided the best views, fancy cuisine, and entertainment, but the majority of fans picnicked in a grassy field enjoying tasty food from a variety of vendors before taking their seats for the races. When the rain arrived on Saturday, and boy did it, fans took it all with good humor and racing continued.

According to SailGP, more than 10,000 viewed the action from the race stadium and the official spectator fleet. Over two days of racing, the 12 international teams competed in six races. Big screen monitors with replay capabilities and broadcast announcers narrating the event helped fans follow the action, explaining race tactics and racing rules, while generally pumping up the crowd. As racing concluded late Sunday afternoon, defending champion Spain came out on top, handily defeating New Zealand and France in the winner-take-all final.

The teams and fans now turn to the European leg of the global championship. The inaugural Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix event will unfold July 19-20 in Portsmouth, England. Find full race results and more information at sailgp.com.

Article and photos by Beth Crabtree