SAILING‘S F1 TO VISIT COWESHOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS SAILING‘S F1 TO VISIT COWES15 Jul 2019EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintSix F50 catamarans will race off Cowes next month as part of the SailGP eventSailGP will make its debut on European waters next month.On August 10 and 11, the event – dubbed the F1 of sailing – will serve as the opening feature of Cowes Week regatta on the Isle of Wight.Teams from Great Britain, Australia, China, France, Japan and the United States will compete in the penultimate event of the inaugural 2019 season.The event was established at the end of last year by Sir Russell Coutts and Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, with teams competing in identical foiling 50ft catamarans – F50s – trying to break sailing’s elusive 50-knot speed barrier and also racing for a $1m winner takes all end of season prize.Athleticism“We are very excited to bring SailGP to the UK for the first time,” said Sir Russell. “Cowes is considered the home of UK sailing so where better to showcase the speed, technology and athleticism involved in SailGP.“There are a number of teams capable of winning races and events – and the pressure will be on for the Great Britain team”Races have already taken place in Sydney, San Francisco and New York. The final event will take place in Marseille in September.The GB boat will be helmed by Olympian Dylan Fletcher.The Cowes races will take place off Egypt Point. The Port of Southampton will host the teams during the event.

via Boating Business | Sailing’s F1 to visit Cowes.