SailGP returns to Bermuda for a second consecutive season opener after its spectacular Season 2 debut this past April. Heart pounding excitement will reignite the local atmosphere with high-speed F50 foiling catamarans on the Great Sound for the Bermuda Sail Grand Prix presented by Hamilton Princess on 14-15 May 2022.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “Racing in Bermuda for both Season 3 and Season 4 promises to build on the momentum created in Season 2. The Island’s stunning backdrop and the natural amphitheatre of the Great Sound is second to none and we look forward to having a full event village where more fans can enjoy the high-energy atmosphere that SailGP is known for.”
The global league graces the Island’s pink sandy shores with a newly expanded roster, welcoming newcomers Switzerland and Canada to Season 3. They join teams from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.
Working with the Bermuda Tourism Authority (BTA), the league’s Official Host Partner, SailGP will be a marquee event in the spring of 2022 and 2023. The two-year agreement not only brings exceptional entertainment value to the 21 square mile island-nation, it also shines a spotlight on this mid-Atlantic jewel during its two-day broadcast in over 175 territories.
In addition to the BTA partnership, Season 3 will see the return of the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club as the Title Partner, West End Development Corporation (WEDCO) as the Official Venue Partner, along with Official Partners: leading offshore law firm Appleby, insurance firm BF&M, and leading independent offshore bank and trust company Butterfield Group. PwC is the Official Consulting Services Supplier, and quality food distributor Butterfield & Vallis is an Official Supplier.
Adrenaline-fuelled and purpose-driven, the league brings the most exciting racing on water – featuring world-class athletes – to iconic natural venues around the world, while engaging with communities, local sailing clubs, and organizations.
As part of SailGP’s better sport strategy, diversity and inclusion will be a continued focus for Season 3. The league will continue to give opportunities to female athletes as part of its Women’s Pathway Program – racing onboard the high-speed F50s throughout the season – to accelerate inclusion within the sport and inspire change.
Continuing relationships established in Bermuda from Season 2, SailGP will use its community-engagement arm – SailGP Inspire – to provide young people from diverse backgrounds with access to the sport and give career opportunities within the wider marine industry.
As the first climate positive sports and entertainment property, SailGP will continue to push boundaries in the global event industry and its Race for the Future. From its inception in 2019, SailGP has been measuring, reducing and contributing its entire carbon footprint and has set an ambitious target of 55 percent reduction of its carbon footprint – based on science – by 2025, as well as committing to being fully powered by nature by 2025 on shore and on the water.
Bermuda being a host city in Season 3, will share SailGP’s commitment to climate action and a cleaner future through deep collaboration. By signing the league’s Climate Action Charter – working alongside CDP – a commitment to local impact projects will be cemented, focusing on clean energy and wider ocean conservation.
Running concurrent to the championship trophy for the on-water racing, SailGP’s pioneering Impact League will return even stronger in Season 3. The forward thinking league – introduced in Season 2 – tracks the positive actions the teams make to reduce their overall carbon footprint and help accelerate inclusivity in sailing. The end result of the season is two podiums, one for sport and one for the planet and the prize fund going to the team’s purpose partners, which the cities will also contribute towards for the first time.
SailGP Season 3 has been expanded to include ten events, with seven grands prix taking place in 2022 and the remainder in the first quarter of 2023, with the season expected to finish in April 2023.
All the Season 3 action will be available live in over 175 territories through SailGP’s broadcast partners, including Australia (Fox Sports), Denmark (TV2 Sport), France (Canal+ Sport), Japan (J Sports), New Zealand (Sky Sport), South East Asia (beIN SPORTS), Spain (RTVE and TV3), UK/Ireland (SKY Sports) and the U.S. (CBS Sports) as well as across SailGP digital platforms including the award winning SailGP App.
