The next TV success for sailing: ZDF and the Sail Grand Prix have announced their new co-operation. ZDF is the exclusive media partner for Germany. From the start of the season, all SailGP regattas can be followed live for the first time via stream in the ZDF media centre. The fifth SailGP season will open on 23 and 24 November in Dubai.
You can see SailGP better with the second one
For the historic first German SailGP summit on 16 and 17 August in Sassnitz, ZDF will even arrive with a full team and broadcast the sailing action on the Baltic Sea live in its main programme. A new documentary about the world series on two hulls and the Germany SailGP team of Thomas Riedel and co-owner, mentor and brand ambassador Sebastian Vettel has been available in the ZDF media library since today (15 November).
The film by Michael Niermann and Hermann Valkyser, which is well worth seeing, will also be broadcast by ZDF on 17 November at 17:10 in the main programme. The documentary shows the German team during the preparations. It accompanies helmsman Erik Heil to his farm in Strande near Kiel and gives a strong insight into the preparations of the German racing team in the Formula 1 of the seas. The owners of the racing team, CEO Tim Krieglstein and Ben Ainslie, the most successful Olympic sailor in the history of the sport, also have their say.
Thomas Riedel and four-time Formula 1 world champion Sebastian Vettel talk about their involvement in SailGP. Sebastian Vettel says in the documentary that he is "a bit of a fan" and that since joining the German racing team as a co-owner, he has become "much more interested in the sea, sailing and the adventure that comes with it".
A farm near Strande as the German SailGP headquarters
The in-depth insights into the preparations and training of the sailing crew led by two-time bronze medallist Erik Heil are also exciting from a sailing perspective. His farm in Strande near Kiel has become the team's headquarters. This is where they train, plan, work and laugh together. The German sailors in particular often meet here: grinders Jonathan Knottnerus-Meyer, Felix van den Hövel and strategist Anna Barth.
The team is led by Erik Heil. With him, wing trimmer Stu Bithell, flight controller James Wierzbowski and the new tactically strong grinder and experienced match racer Will Tiller as well as the German team-mates want to attack in the fifth season. They have mastered their debut season "better than expected". Now things are set to improve.
The fleet of opponents has grown in both quantity and quality. Twelve teams from just as many countries want to make a "bella figura" in the SailGP. This also applies to the new Italian team led by SailGP veteran Jimmy Spithill, which is expected to start in Dubai. And for the Brazilian team, also new and already introduced, with the first woman at the SailGP helm: double Olympic champion Martine Grael will lead Team Muubadala Brasil into its fifth season.
The first woman at the SailGP helm
Also on board is Martine Grael's brother Marco Grael, who shares his Olympic 49er career with greats such as the Spanish SailGP title defenders and Olympic champions Diego Botin and Flo Trittel, Erik Heil and other top players in the World Sailing League. In addition, the Brazilians have made further top signings: Kiwi ace Andy Maloney is coming on board as flight controller.
The three-time America's Cup winner, who previously sailed with the New Zealand "Black Foils", marks one of the most spectacular transfers for the fifth season. As wing trimmer - fresh from America's Cup finalist Ineos Britannia - Leigh McMillan strengthens the British line-up.
Speaking of a British comeback: CEO Sir Ben Ainslie's co-pilot from the America's Cup is now taking the helm in the SailGP for Team Emirates Great Britain. Moth World Champion Dylan Fletcher, alongside double Olympic champion and strategist Hannah Mills, Iain Jensen, Neil Hunter, Nick Hutton and Luke Parkinson, wants nothing less than the first SailGP victory for England.
Knowing Dylan now, I think he expects to win." Sir Ben Ainslie
This expectation is "why I gave him the role," said Ben Ainslie ahead of the first race of the season in Dubai on 23 November. Ben Ainslie only indirectly explained why Hannah Mills could not take over the driver's role after several years as a strategist. Dylan Fletcher had "really stepped up - both on the water and on land". That's why it was "the best decision in the long term" for the team.
The SailGP commentators: Nils Kaben and Kristin Recke
Ainslie's new heir to the throne had the best chance to do this as second helmsman in the America's Cup. He made the most of it. Is it realistic for the British team to be on the podium at the end of the season? Ainslie smiled: "It will take a feat of strength. But I don't see why not."
ZDF commentators Nils Kaben and Kristin Recke will also be keeping an eye on the ambitious Brits during the live broadcasts. In particular, however, they will be watching how the Germany SailGP Team performs in its second season. It is clear that the tenth-placed team will be aiming for the top in their rookie season.
Our first season was better than expected. I'm hugely motivated for the second season." Erik Heil
Before his departure to Dubai, Erik Heil gave examples of the optimisations he is aiming for in the team. "The starts will continue to play a very important role for us," explained Erik Heil. His team wants to further reduce the average position at the first turning point after the start from 5.1 in the first year. "The best teams achieve an average of 3.2," says the Berlin native, recognising the many challenges that lie ahead for him and his team.
