Adrenaline is set to be pumping throughout Plymouth Sound next July, as the world’s most exciting racing on-water returns to the city.
SailGP will host its Great Britain Sail Grand Prix in Plymouth for the second year running, following a bumper event in 2021, which saw an estimated 27,500 spectators enjoying the spectacle that brought £6.9 million into the local economy.
The thrilling racing is set to take place on July 30 and 31 next year. Plymouth is one of the initial eight locations confirmed on the line-up for SailGP Season 3, which also includes stops in Bermuda, Chicago, Saint-Tropez and Dubai.
Councillor Nick Kelly, Leader of Plymouth City Council, said:
“This is absolutely fantastic news. SailGP is a globally significant event that’s helped to really put Plymouth on the map.
“Bringing SailGP to Plymouth is no mean feat. We have worked tirelessly to bring this marvellous event to our shores so that the people of Plymouth can benefit from not only the spectacle of world-class sport on their doorstep, but also the wider economic advantage that thousands flocking to our city will bring.
“We’ll be working closely with SailGP to maximise all the opportunities that the event brings us and look forward to creating another unmissable weekend of on-water action in Britain’s Ocean City, home of the UK’s first National Marine Park.”
Councillor Mark Deacon, Cabinet member for Customer Services, Culture, Leisure & Sport, added:
“This year’s Great Britain Sail Grand Prix was one of the city’s absolute highlights, bringing thousands of excited spectators to our stunning waterfront, giving hundreds of local children the chance to try out sailing for the very first time and providing a much needed multi-million pound economic boost.”
As it once again brings sailing’s best roster of athletes together, SailGP is also set to welcome two new franchise teams for its third season. Canada and Switzerland are new additions, joining the existing teams from Australia, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Japan, New Zealand, Spain and the United States.
Great Britain SailGP Team CEO and Driver, Ben Ainslie, commented:
“We are delighted that Plymouth has retained its place for Season 3, it has one of the world’s most visually stunning harbours and its natural amphitheatre creates the perfect SailGP race village for fans to immerse themselves in the racing.
“The city’s environmental commitments, and its status as Britain’s first National Marine Park, also seamlessly align with our team ethos to protect our pitch. We are looking forward to again supporting our Race For The Future partner, the local community and event organisers in numerous activities that will help will help amplify positive scientific knowledge and empower young people to take positive action to protect nature, people and our planet.”
