Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds Take the Helm as Co-Owners of the 'BONDS Flying Roos' AUS SailGP Team
by SailGP 5 Jun 22:56 NZST
Iconic Aussie brand BONDS joins as Title Partner of the ‘BONDS Flying Roos' SailGP Team © SailGP
Today Australia's three-time SailGP champions have unveiled a new identity as well as two new co-owners - Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds - who join Driver and CEO Tom Slingsby in leading the freshly rebranded BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team. That's right, under its new ownership BONDS underwear will now be keeping the "down under" region of these aquatic Aussie athletes totally race-ready in its famously comfy undies.
New co-owners Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds commented, "We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure. 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."
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 harbors. Led by Olympic gold medallist Slingsby, Australia has owned the leaderboard, three championships in four seasons, and now embarks on a new chapter aimed at super-charging fan engagement far beyond the dock.
Tom Slingsby, Driver, CEO & co-owner of the Bonds Flying Roos said, "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. They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humor 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."
Andy Thompson, SailGP Director said, "Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia SailGP Team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally. We're thrilled to officially welcome Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds as co-owners of the newly-branded BONDS Flying Roos, bringing with them an extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous and no doubt plenty of fun along the way too."
The BONDS multi-year partnership marks the first time the Australian SailGP Team has had a Title Partner. As both Official Title Partner and Official Underwear Partner, BONDS brings more than a century of Aussie heritage - and signature comfort - to the BONDS Flying Roos.
"BONDS is famous for its signature Aussie spirit and it's no secret that Aussies love sport, being on the water, and just a hint of danger. Enter SailGP, the next exciting chapter in our journey to take BONDS to the world," says Tanya Deans, President BONDS Australia.
"We're thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fueled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight. 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", Deans added.
Teaming up with the Flying Roos marks a bold new chapter for BONDS as it rides a wave of global growth and cultural momentum. Hot on the heels of its U.S. launch with ambassador Robert Irwin, this move cements BONDS as a brand that blends performance with personality. From high-speed maneuvers to high-stretch waistbands, Aussie cool meets world-class competition, with cheeky, unstoppable energy and undeniable comfort at the core.
The BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team will make their official debut under their new name and ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix from June 7-8. The Australian crew aims to defend their leading position on the leaderboard while striving for a memorable victory to celebrate their new co-owners and partners.