American SailGP’s Line-up
Last week, US SailGP Team announced the crew who will guide their F50 catamaran though her paces this season. Peter Kinney, Scott Ewing, Ben Bardwell and Victor Diaz de Leon will join team vets Rome Kirby, Taylor Canfield, Riley Gibbs and Hans Henken. Kimo Worthington of America’s Cup and Whitbread/Volvo Ocean Race fame will serve as general manager.
Their Roles
- Rome Kirby, Newport, RI, returns as helmsman and CEO.
- Taylor Canfield, St. Thomas, USVI, returns as flight controller.
- Riley Gibbs, Long Beach, CA, wing trimmer.
- Hans Henken, Coronado, CA, grinder.
- Peter Kinney, Newport Beach, CA, grinder.
- Ben Bardwell, Brownsville, VT, grinder.
- Scott Ewing, Miami, FL, grinder.
- Victor Diaz de Leon, a Venezuelan living in Miami, FL, reserve wing trimmer/flight controller.
A New Partner
SailGP has entered a cycle of frequent press releases in the lead-up to the first regatta of Season 2 in Sydney, Australia, on February 28-29. Yesterday’s email announced that global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor has purchased a minority stake. Endeavor’s investment position values SailGP at US$200 million, following the success of its first season.
SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts said: “Endeavor’s partnership represents a pivotal moment in our young and developing history. It strengthens our position going into our second season and signals the projected long-term value of SailGP.” Maybe now they can get their website to actually work.