Sydney SailGP tickets on sale now

The Australia SailGP Team's F50 with Skipper Tom Slingsby AUS at the helm (right), the France SailGP Team and the China SailGP Team boat during a race condition practice session. Event 1 Season 1 SailGP event in Sydney Harbour, Sydney, Australia © Bob Martin for SailGP

The world's fastest and most exhilarating sail racing championship returns to Sydney Harbour next year, with Sydney SailGP tickets now on sale to watch Tom Slingsby and the Australian team begin their title defence in February 2020.

Following a heart-pumping inaugural season - which saw Olympic hero Slingsby helm the Australia SailGP Team to victory over China, France, Great Britain, Japan and the United States to take home the trophy and historic US$1 million championship prize - Australian sports and lifestyle lovers can now secure their spot on Sydney Harbour for the thrilling racing event, set for February 28-29, 2020.

Located on Shark Island, the SailGP 'Island Arena' will be the centre of the action - placing fans directly in the middle of the harbour with spectacular views of the world's only on-water grand prix. SailGP official spectator boats run by Captain Cook Cruises will offer a can't-be-beat on-water cruising experience, featuring front-row seats on the edge of the racecourse perimeter. Alternatively, bring your own boat or charter a luxury yacht with an exclusive position on the race course via the Adrenaline Yachts programme. Tickets start from AUD$106 for adults and AUD$74 for children.

The 2019 Sydney SailGP attracted more than 22,000 spectators from 25 nations and reached 469 million people worldwide. Australian spectators were the first in the world to witness the fastest, most technologically advanced catamarans ripping through the harbour. After Sydney, SailGP will head to San Francisco for the start of the U.S. leg of the league's sophomore season.

"There was something very special about competing this year on Sydney Harbour, where we could hear the cheers and support from the home crowds on Shark Island and along the harbour," said Slingsby. "I'm excited that Australians will get to witness first-hand the close and action-packed racing when we return to Sydney Harbour in February 2020, and I know our team has its sights set on a repeat victory for Australia."

Early bird and second release tickets will be available until January 22, 2020, at SailGP.com/Sydney, with AUD$2 from every ticket sold going to SailGP Inspire - SailGP's youth and community outreach arm.

Island Arena

Located in the heart of the action, the Island Arena on Shark Island offers the ultimate SailGP experience, providing fans 18+ with a spectacular view of the exhilarating racing on a unique island setting in the middle of Sydney Harbour.

Two ticket levels - Access Pass and Premium Pass - are available, with shore transfers, jumbo screens, commentary and entertainment included for both. The all-inclusive Premium Pass will also feature an open bar, gourmet food and VIP seating, while Access Pass holders will have food and beverage options available for purchase. Tickets start at AUD$132.

On-Water

In partnership with Captain Cook Cruises, SailGP is offering an exclusive experience for fans seeking a day on the water and the ability to get up close and personal with Tom Slingsby and his F50 catamaran. Open-top super cruisers, including Sydney 2000, will offer ringside views of the action from the racecourse perimeter, inside the public exclusion zone.

Departing from Sydney's Central Business District, the spectator boats offer two levels of access - On-Water Go and On-Water Go Premium. Premium guests will enjoy an all-inclusive experience with gourmet food and beverages included, while other guests will be able to bring their own food and access a cash bar. Tickets start at AUD$106 for adults and AUD$74 for children.

Island Arena & on-Water Package

Fans wishing to get the best of both worlds can elect to have the ultimate SailGP two-day experience, watching the high-adrenaline racing from the water one day and the Island Arena the other. The weekend experience passes start at AUD$202.

Behind The Scenes Tours - Cockatoo Island

Fans are also able to access the SailGP Technical Area on Cockatoo Island, with an exclusive tour of the 'pit lane garages,' where the international athletes and shore teams prepare the world's fastest sail racing boats for competition.

The tour offers fans a rare chance to see SailGP's elite athletes - including Slingsby's Australia team - and the supercharged F50 catamarans up close, as they prepare for battle on Sydney Harbour.

Tours run for 30 minutes, three times a day from February 17-27, and are guided by a professional sailing athlete delivering expert commentary. Cockatoo Island is a short public ferry ride from Circular Quay, Darling Harbour and Barangaroo. A limited number of tours are offered at AUD$29.

Adrenaline Yachts Package

Those seeking the ultimate luxury experience can purchase an Adrenaline Yachts package to watch the racing from the decks of a luxury yacht positioned within the public exclusion zone. Limited charter or own-boat options are available for corporate or private use.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat)

Boat owners can soak up the electric atmosphere and action of Sydney SailGP from the comfort of their own vessel.

Boaters can register their vessel for free at SailGP.com/Sydney to receive live updates from race management, including racecourse position and timings to help get the best position on water. The first 50 registered boat owners will be invited to an exclusive SailGP Q&A in the lead up to race weekend.

All tickets are available for purchase at SailGP.com/Sydney.