Great Britain SailGP Team Presented by INEOS set for Sydney SailGP showdown
by Natasha Elliott 27 Feb 2020 16:40 GMT
28-29 February 2020
L-R: Matt Gotrel (Grinder), Richard Mason (Grinder), Iain Jensen (Wing Trimmer), Ben Ainslie (Helmsman) © Lloyd Images
Less than 24 hours until the action begins on Sydney Harbour when seven 50ft foiling catamarans line up for the first time to kick start SailGP's second season; the league which is redefining the sport of sailing and bringing immersive action closer to the fans.
A lot has changed since the championship last visited this iconic venue one year ago for the first event of the inaugural season. Not least, the addition of Sir Ben Ainslie, the most successful Olympic sailor of all time, who is now at the helm of the British F50 alongside a team of world-class athletes. The remainder of the crew - which includes Olympic Gold medallist Iain Jensen as wing trimmer beside Luke Parkinson on the flight controls - all have experience of these highly charged machines from SailGP Season 1.
Following some close-quarter practice racing today, Ainslie said: "We've had a fantastic day out on the harbour with perfect conditions but the competition is wide open. We're expecting some big winds tomorrow so we could see conditions we haven't had a chance to practice in much and that will be a real test for us. It's all to play for!"
Sydney SailGP will follow the same format as Season 1, consisting of five fleet races and one match race for the top two teams overall, split over Friday 28 February and Saturday 29 February with racing set to start at 1545 local time (AEDT).
Fans in the UK can follow the racing live with the Official UK Broadcast provider, Sky Sports, plus catch the full race replays from 1100 GMT.
Fans also have the chance to 'get on-board' with Ainslie and the British team through the revamped award-winning SailGP APP which streams live information from the 1200 data points across the athletes and boats.
The user has full control and the ability to customise their screen, comparing teams or changing camera angles. Full race replays will also be available through the APP 48 hours after racing.
Full sailing team line-up for the Great Britain SailGP Team Presented by INEOS in Season 2:
Ben Ainslie, Helmsman - GBR, 42
Luke Parkinson, Flight Controller - GBR/AUS, 28
Iain Jensen, Wing Trimmer - AUS, 31
Matt Gotrel, Grinder - GBR, 30
Neil Hunter, Grinder - GBR, 24
Richard Mason, Grinder - GBR, 31
sailgp.com/teams/great-britain