Two new partnerships for SailGP

SailGP has announced two new partnerships in the last week. Cognizant, as its official digital transformation partner and Champagne Baron de Rothschild as an exclusive supplier.

The multi-year partnership with Cognizant (https://www.cognizant.com/en-uk/) will see the company use its digital transformation and software engineering expertise to improve SailGP’s audience insights, enable data visualisation and create an immersive fan experience for the 257 million SailGP viewers worldwide.

To enhance the fan experience on the eight international sail grand prix event weekends, Cognizant says it will transform the SailGP website to be more dynamic and, in future seasons, enhance SailGP’s mobile app as well. These enhancements aim to offer real-time updates on key performance metrics such as the athletes’ heart rates or the speed and distances of the boats.

“This is the second major global partnership that we have announced prior to our second season and we are thrilled to join forces with another like-minded partner that shares our commitments and values,” said Sir Russell Coutts, CEO, SailGP. “Cognizant will actively participate in SailGP’s development and our Race for the Future purpose-led agenda, aimed at accelerating change to a cleaner and more inclusive future.”

The exclusive supplier agreement with Champagne Barons de Rothschild will cover all the Season 2 events across three continents and eight countries.

The Champagne Barons de Rothschild House has previously been involved in various sailing events and races around the world, most notably through the sponsorship of Benjamin de Rothschild’s family racing team, the Gitana Team.

“The finest sporting performances are always a source of emotion and shared enjoyment, not only among the athletes but among the spectators and fans all around the world,” says Frédéric Mairesse, Champagne Barons de Rothschild managing director. “We are delighted to be helping to promote this spirit of conviviality and excellence that is a driving force in everything we do.”

In other SailGP news, Tom Slingsby has announced who will be joining him in defending Team Australia’s title as SailGP champions.

In addition to Slingsby returning as CEO and helmsman, Team Australia will see the return of Season 1 crew members: Kyle Langford as wing trimmer, Jason Waterhouse as flight controller, Sam Newton as grinder, and Kinley Fowler as both grinder and flight controller.

A new addition to the side, Nick Hutton has been chosen as a grinder, replacing Ky Hurst who has stepped down for family reasons. Hutton, hailing from the United Kingdom, will be the only non-Australian member of the team.

“Our squad features some of our nation’s most talented sailors, including Olympians, Sydney To Hobart alumni and America’s Cup champions,” says Slingsby.

SailGP Season 2 kicks off April 24 in Bermuda.