Emirates GBR SailGP Team aiming to leave lasting legacy in Bermuda
by Emirates GBR SailGP Team 4 May 16:57 AEST
4-5 May 2024
Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by Giles Scott and New Zealand SailGP Team helmed by Peter Burling in action ahead of the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix © Samo Vidic for SailGP
The Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team is aiming to leave a lasting legacy both on and off the water at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix this weekend. The British team will be looking to claim another win in Bermuda, having reigned victorious at the Season 2 Event.
Practice racing took place on Friday, where there was a dramatic capsize from the USA Team. The USA's F50 race boat flipped on its side during the third and final race of the day, with crew members falling out of their cockpit onto the wing and into the water. Thankfully, all athletes were accounted for and no significant injuries were sustained. The boat has been recovered and damage to the wing is being assessed ahead of official racing on Saturday and Sunday.
Driver Giles Scott said: "The USA Team had a big capsize which looked really nasty so I'm glad to hear they're all ok. It was definitely an eventful start to the event, but we're looking forward to getting back out there tomorrow. It's an amazing racecourse and the conditions are perfect so we couldn't ask for much more. A podium result would be good, but a win would be better, and I certainly feel we're in a position to do that."
For its legacy off the water, Emirates GBR's Purpose Partner, the 1851 Trust, has partnered with Bermuda-based bank, Butterfield, to inspire young people to take climate action. The trust's climate education platform Protect Our Future has been supported by Butterfield to provide lessons to more than 200 local children at Emirates GBR's base. The partnership has also created a $10,000 climate action grant to allow schools in Bermuda to implement sustainability projects.
Emirates GBR CEO and 1851 Trust Founder Sir Ben Ainslie said: "Emirates GBR wants to leave a legacy in the towns and cities we compete in and the climate action grant with Butterfield will do just that. As well as educating young people about climate change with the Protect Our Future programme, the grant will allow those young people to implement projects in their schools that have a lasting, positive impact."
The island of Bermuda holds strong connections for Emirates GBR, as it is where its partnership with renewable energy company, Low Carbon, began. Low Carbon partnered with Sir Ben Ainslie's British America's Cup team during the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda in 2017, where they jointly funded the provision of 194 solar panels with the Stempel Foundation to the National Museum of Bermuda. The panels offset all the energy used by the team in Bermuda, and will continue providing power to the island for at least another 25 years.
The project inspired Emirates GBR and Low Carbon to create a bespoke portable renewable energy installation, consisting of 38 solar panels and two micro-wind turbines, that takes the team's base off-grid and supplies power to other teams. Emirates GBR and Low Carbon also created a Portable Off-Grid Power Blueprint to encourage others to adopt renewable energy. The Blueprint has been nominated for the Innovation of the Year Award at the UK Green Business Awards 2024.
Chief Marketing and Sustainability Officer at Low Carbon, Quentin Scott said: "Our renewable journey with Emirates GBR started in Bermuda seven years ago and we are delighted to still be supporting the team in Bermuda and beyond. Our partnership continues to demonstrate how we can work together to help mitigate climate impact and inspire future generations to tread lightly on the planet. We wish Emirates GBR the best of luck in the racing this weekend."
The Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with the Emirates GBR Team consisting of Giles Scott as Driver, Hannah Mills as Strategist, Luke Parkinson as Flight Controller, Iain Jensen as Wing Trimmer, Nick Hutton and Neil Hunter as Grinders and Hannah Diamond as Reserve Sailor. UK viewers can watch all the action live on ITVX from 18:00 on Saturday and Sunday.