At a press conference in New York, Tom Slingsby presented his new team partners shortly before the SailGP restart in the Big Apple. In future, the racing team will also bear the name of the new main sponsor as "Bonds Flying Roos". Celebrity actors and film producers Hugh Jackmann and Ryan Reynolds have also come on board. The Australian and his Canadian-American colleague are known as "Deadpool" and "Wolverine" from Marvel action films, among others.
SailGP: Celebrities with star power and humour
"We are incredibly excited to embark on this new adventure together. Hugh brings a deep love and pride for his home country and is also an avid sailing fan. He will also bring his extremely devoted emotional support," said Ryan Reynolds with a wink. Tom Slingsby - an Olympic gold medallist, America's Cup winner, Moth World Champion, two-time World Sailor of the Year and SailGP record holder himself - can only rejoice.
This is an incredible milestone for us and our sport to have global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds on board as co-owners of our team." Tom Slingsby
40-year-old athlete extraordinaire Tom Slingsby said of the two movie stars on his team: "They bring unparalleled star power, a passion for storytelling and a strong sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team. With Bonds as title sponsor and the introduction of the Bonds Flying Roos, we are creating something distinctly Australian: a team fuelled by fighting spirit, perseverance and national pride." What that looks like live will be revealed at the ZDF live broadcasts on 7 and 8 June from 9.30 pm onwards can be observed over Whitsun.
The recent intensified embrace between Hollywood and SailGP is no coincidence. The world league on speeding and foiling catamarans set up by Sir Russell Coutts and Oracle founder Larry Ellison has excellent connections in the international film business. Larry Ellison's son David Ellison is a film producer. He owns the production company Skydance, which works with Tom Cruise and was responsible for the production of the latest Mission Impossible films. David Ellison's company is currently in the midst of a historic takeover of the renowned film studio Paramount.
Anne Hathaway captains Italy's SailGP team
Before Jackman and Reynolds, Anne Hathaway ("The Devil Wears Prada") had already been announced as a member of the Red Bull Italy SailGP team. Hathaway is part of a consortium of investors and leading top sports managers. Brand building and media are emphasised as the group's expertise.
The consortium is led by Assia Grazioli-Venier, founding partner of Muse Capital, and luxury brand entrepreneur Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo. In addition, well-known Hollywood celebrities such as Adam Shulman and actress Mariam Leone are members of the investor group in the Italian team with its CEO and co-owner Jimmy Spithill.
Commenting on the acquisition, Assia Grazioli-Venier, founder of Muse Capital and Muse Sport, said: "Italy has an extraordinary sailing tradition and our mission is to be the catalyst for the next phase. Muse Sport is honoured to be leading this pivotal moment for our sport. SailGP has tremendous commercial potential for global growth and influence, which this ownership group will realise with its strategic governance and capital."
The SailGP league continues to grow
Actress Anne Hathaway added another perspective: "The new Red Bull Italy SailGP team embodies a powerful combination of innovation, sporting excellence and a deep commitment to inclusive leadership - particularly in promoting the role of women in high performance sport. Our deep and long-standing love for Italy makes this opportunity especially meaningful. We are delighted to have been invited to support a project that reflects both tradition and a transformative vision!"
League Director Russell Coutts commented: "We are delighted to welcome Assia, Gian Luca, Jimmy and the entire Muse Sport consortium to SailGP's growing group of investors and team owners. Together they bring an incredibly experienced and exciting group of commercially minded investors and mark another important milestone in the development of SailGP as a league."
Between happy and cheerful: Tom Slingsby talks about his new partners in the pre-launch press conference for the new SailGP in New York - and also about the unusual challenges that this brings for the thoroughbred athlete and his crew:
