United States SailGP Team announces first active athlete roster ahead of Dubai
by United States SailGP Team 7 Dec 2023 15:43 GMT
December 9-10, 2023
Inside the USA SailGP Team hangar ahead of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates © Ricardo Pinto for SailGP
The revamped United States SailGP Team has announced its active athlete roster for the Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas on Dec. 9 - 10. Dubai marks the halfway point of SailGP's Season 4, and the first time the American team will race under new ownership and new Head Coach Mark Ivey.
Taylor Canfield, driver: A seven-time world champion, Canfield moves to the driver's seat after beginning with the American team as flight controller in Season 1 and most recently for the recent U.S. win in Spain. "This is a dream come true that Mike [Buckley] and I have long envisioned," says Canfield, "it's going to be a special moment hitting the starting line in Dubai with this team."
Victor Diaz de Leon, wing trimmer: "This is an opportunity of a lifetime. Taylor, Mike, and I have had great success in the past racing together. I look forward to jumping in with Sara, Alex, Mac, PK, and Scott; this is going to be a hell of a fun fight." Diaz de Leon is well known around championship circuits to make every boat he sails on better, as evidenced by eight world championship victories and counting.
Sara Stone, strategist/grinder: A 2022 nominee for Rolex Yachtswoman of the Year, Stone will be bringing her offshore sailing acumen, and experience and strength as a foiling Nacra 17 crew into SailGP's short-course racing. "It's been an intense week getting up to speed on the F50. I have an incredible challenge ahead of me as I work with both the grinding team and on the race strategy, and I cannot wait to get into race mode this weekend."
Mac Agnese, flight controller: Agnese, from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., was a grinder on board the U.S. SailGP Team during its inaugural season, and has been competing in that role for the past two seasons. He will take the flight controller position for the first time here in Dubai.
Scott Ewing, grinder: Ewing will make his debut in Dubai. The Miami, Fla., native was also a member of the 2017 Red Bull Youth America's Cup and selected to race in the first-ever qualifier for the Red Bull Foiling Generation Series.
Peter Kinney, grinder: Kinney, originally from Southern California, has raced with the team previously as grinder and was part of the winning team alongside Canfield, Agnese and Sinclair during the Spanish event. He'll be bringing his multihull experience and collegiate football firepower to the strength-focused grinder position.
Alex Sinclair, grinder: Sinclair has been a familiar face with the American team the past two seasons and is already putting his F50 knowledge to good use during this week's training sessions to help new teammates quickly get up to speed.
Leo Takahashi, reserve flight controller: On a short-term contract, Takahashi joins the team in a dual role as advisor and reserve flight controller. Takahashi first raced in the league with the Japan SailGP Team, and competed in the 49er class in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Mike Buckley, CEO / reserve strategist: New co-owner Buckley is the reserve strategist for this weekend's racing in Dubai. The two-time world champion Buckley and Canfield have been long-time teammates, competing as tactician and driver respectively in multiple classes and match racing, winning the World Match Racing Tour in 2020, and second multiple times.
Under new head coach Mark Ivey, the team arrived early to Dubai for a training camp.
DUBAI: HOW TO WATCH DECEMBER 9 - 10 FROM THE U.S.
The Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas takes place Sat. and Sun., December 9-10. U.S. fans can watch all the racing live via CBS Sports and SailGP's YouTube beginning at 5 a.m. EST.