SailGP's Adopt-a-Club program launches in Sydney

SailGP's Adopt-a-Club program launches in Sydney © SailGP

SailGP Inspire's Adopt-a-Club community outreach program makes its debut in Sydney at the Australia Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG, taking place December 17-18. Initiating partnerships through local sailing clubs and organisations, the program is designed to expand opportunities in the sport for diversity and inclusion as part of the global league's Race for the Future - driving towards a better sport and a better planet.

In each SailGP host city, SailGP's eight national teams - comprising the sports best athletes - are fostering relationships within the respective communities. Recognising that sailing organisations and clubs are the entry point for many young people to a world of on-water activities, the aim of the program is to have a positive influence on their future by inspiring the next generation, provide industry insights and open their eyes to potential career paths in the marine industry.

Australia SailGP Team driver Tom Slingsby said: "SailGP's Adopt-a-Club program has been a brilliant initiative for Season 2 facilitating direct contact between the SailGP teams and an engaged local audience at each event. As we now head into our home event in Sydney we can't wait to meet the local sailors from Woollahra Sailing Club, use the power of sport for good and inspire F50 athletes of the future."

Woollahra Sailing Club - newly paired with the Australia SailGP Team - plays an integral role in introducing children to sailing in a fun, safe and accessible way. By providing access to on-water programs, young people are able to develop their self-esteem and confidence through sailing activities, an experience that may not otherwise be realised in their daily lives.

Woollahra Sailing Club commodore Jay Harrison said: "The members and volunteers at the club are extremely excited about being partnered with the Australian team for the SailGP Adopt-a-Club program in Sydney. We are keen to maximise the interaction, impact and spectacle of this global sailing event for the young people of Sydney. We hope that many of the youth, who don't normally engage with on-water activity, will be inspired to have a go and discover the joys of a sport we are all passionate about."

Pairings for the Adopt-a-Club program at the Sydney Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG include:

Woollahra Sailing Club with Australia SailGP Team, Connells Point Sailing Club with Denmark SailGP Team presented by ROCKWOOL, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Sailing Club with Spain SailGP Team, Vaucluse Amateurs 12ft Sailing Club with France SailGP Team, Concord & Ryde Sailing Club with Great Britain SailGP Team, Lane Cove 12ft Sailing Skiff Club with Japan SailGP Team, Hunters Hill Sailing Club with New Zealand SailGP Team, and Port Hacking Open Sailing Club with United States SailGP Team.

Each event during SailGP Season 2 has presented new partnerships for the eight national teams to build upon. The Adopt-a-Club program in Sydney benefits through strong relationships with supporters such as the governing body for the sport of Sailing in Australia, Australian Sailing.

Playing a vital role in the skills development of young sailors, SailGP has partnered with Australian Sailing in Season 2 to help establish a foundation on which the youth enrolled in sailing clubs or through sailing centres can grow.

Australian Sailing manager for NSW & ACT Emma Humphries said: "Eight of our local clubs were selected to be paired with a SailGP team through the league's Adopt-a-Club program. The clubs will be acting as each team's home club while they are in Australia, supporting them on and off the water, holding country themed events and cheering the teams on from the sidelines.

"This partnership means just as much to the SailGP athletes as it does to those from the local clubs as friendships will be formed and information shared. Two young sailors from each club will have the experience of a lifetime sailing on the SailGP racecourse in RS Fevas generously loaned by local clubs. SailGP has offered to refurbish these boats which will leave a lasting legacy for those clubs. Australian Sailing is very pleased to be facilitating this program for the benefit of our local clubs."

SailGP's high-flying F50 foiling catamarans take to Sydney Harbour for the Australia Sail Grand Prix presented by KPMG on December 17-18. Tickets for fan experiences are on sale, and selling fast. To find out more and secure your tickets before they sell-out visit SailGP.com/Sydney.