Ainslie to lead GB at Plymouth SailGP

SOME of the fastest, most exciting on-water sailing is returning to Plymouth this summer.

The Great Britain Sail Grand Prix takes place from July 30 to July 31 in the natural amphitheatre of Plymouth Sound.

Ten nations will race it out in identical fast-foiling F50 catamarans, which can reach speeds exceeding 60mph. The Plymouth round will be the third event in the global championship’s calendar, following opening events in Bermuda and Chicago.

Fans in Plymouth will be able to witness some of the most incredible on-water racing scenes and get up close to an impressive lineup of world-class athletes and top sailing nations.

The line-up for SailGP has expanded for this season, with Canada and Switzerland joining defending Season 2 Champions Australia, Sir Ben Ainslie’s Great Britain, Denmark, France, Japan, Spain, New Zealand and the US.

Absent from last year’s SailGP’s Plymouth debut in Season 2, Ainslie will be back in the driving seat in Plymouth and looking to give home fans something to cheer about – aiming for his first victory on home soil.

Ainslie said: “Last year’s event was fantastic, delivering on all fronts with close racing, perfect weather, big spectator numbers and even a whale.

“It will be great that now COVID restrictions are lifted even more fans can visit and watch the action from Plymouth Hoe, with its natural amphitheatre providing one of the best viewing areas for any sailing event in the world.

“From a personal point of view, this will be the first time I have competed on home waters for nearly six years and there is nothing quite like it, we can’t wait.”

Last year the event drew an estimated 27,500 spectators and brought in a $9.5 million boost to the local economy.

A variety of early bird ticket options are now on sale at SailGP. com/GreatBritain