Two Hollywood A-listers now co-own Australian SailGP team in bonding experience
Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have been named as two new co-owners of the freshly rebranded Bonds Flying Roos SailGP Team. They’re following in the footsteps of Hollywood star Anne Hathaway who recently bought into the Red Bull Italy SailGP team. Coalition Capital, owned by French football superstar Kylian Mbappé, has also invested in the France SailGP Team.
Reynolds (who has starred in many films) is well known for his long-running series Welcome to Wrexham in which he invested in a UK football club (alongside Rob McElhenney) and documented the success and failures of the project. Jackman is an actor, known for his love of musical theatre.
“We’re incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure,” says Reynolds. “Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia. No comment on whether we’re writing this in our Bonds. No further questions.”
The Bonds multi-year partnership marks the first time the Australian SailGP Team has had a title partner. The former makes underwear which SailGP refers to as ‘famously comfy’.
“This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport, having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team,” says Tom Slingsby, driver, CEO & another co-owner of the Bonds Flying Roos.
“They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team. With Bonds joining as our title partner and the launch of the Bonds Flying Roos, we’re building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.”
Founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, SailGP pits 12 national crews in identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, ripping past 100 km/h just meters from shore in the world’s most iconic harbours (including MIN’s home-city, Portsmouth). Led by Olympic gold medallist Slingsby, Australia has owned the leaderboard, three championships in four seasons.
Bonds says it is riding a wave of global growth and cultural momentum as it teams up with the Flying Roos.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fuelled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight,” says Tanya Deans, president Bonds Australia. “And how do you say no to Hugh Jackman? He’s Australian royalty! As we set sail on this new adventure, the Bonds Flying Roos have one less thing to worry about – we’ve got their backs (and bums) covered.
“SailGP [is] the next exciting chapter in our journey to take Bonds to the world.”
The Bonds Flying Roos SailGP Team will make its official debut under its new name and ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix this weekend, 7-8 June. The Australian crew aims to defend its leading position.
In an interview with Australian media about modelling Bonds boxers for the launch imagery, Slingsby agrees: “you take the money where it comes.”
Celebrities occasionally pop-up in the marine world. Yesterday MIN reported that the landmark superyacht linked to Bill Gates is to be supplied with liquid hydrogen in Netherlands.
