SailGP opens cutting-edge facility to drive championship growth
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SOUTHAMPTON, England - SailGP on Thursday unveiled its gleaming new $10 million innovation centre in Southampton, complete with more than 100 boat-building experts and a mission to supercharge the world's fastest sailing championship.
The state-of-the-art SailGP Technologies facility on England's south coast opened its doors ahead of this weekend's Great Britain Sail Grand Prix, marking a major investment in the future of racing that sees 50-foot catamarans fly across water at nearly 100 km/h.
The Southampton hub houses a small army of designers, engineers, boat builders and specialists in everything from composites to hydraulics, all working to keep SailGP's fleet of high-tech F50 catamarans racing at breakneck speeds around the globe.
"The opening of SailGP Technologies represents a major step forward in our continued ability to support a truly global championship," said Joel Marginson, Director SailGP Technologies.
"This facility gives us greater control and resilience across the fleet, enabling faster turnaround of repairs, more consistent performance, and a reliable supply of spares while on tour."
The facility relocated from New Zealand in late 2023 to be closer to SailGP's London headquarters and optimize proximity to the global racing calendar. The centre will also serve as a training hub complete with racing simulators.
SailGP CEO and co-founder Russell Coutts celebrated the milestone, saying: "As we grow, it's incredibly important to have fully integrated capabilities and expertise. This state-of-the-art facility will enable SailGP to remain at the very forefront of industry technology and innovation."
The championship has also launched its first boat-building apprenticeship programme, selecting six emerging professionals to develop the next generation of marine industry talent.
The Great Britain Sail Grand Prix takes place in Portsmouth on July 19-20, with national teams competing for personal glory and a slice of $12 million in total prize money. REUTERS