SailGP To Add Brazil Team For Season Five
SailGP and investment firm Mubadala Capital have revealed plans to acquire a Brazil-based team, which will join the global sailing league in season five.
The introduction of the Brazil team sees SailGP plant its flag in South America, as the league continues to expand ahead its fifth season, which gets underway in November.
Last year, SailGP signed a three-year, global partnership with Mubadala which saw the Abu Dhabi firm join its top sponsorship tier. The company has served as the title sponsor of this year’s New York Sail Grand Prix, as well as previous events in San Francisco and Abu Dhabi.
Mubadala will continue to support SailGP Inspire, the league’s youth education programme, which currently comprises 21,256 participants.
The Brazil SailGP team will be operated by IMN, a Brazilian sports and entertainment firm owned by former Brazilian Olympic sailor Alan Adler, who is also its CEO. The company’s partnership roster also includes the Rio Open tennis tournament.
“We are eager to engage the passionate Brazilian fans and bring this dynamic team to life,” Adler said.
“The Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team will inspire and connect with our community, promoting the sport and its values across South America.”
Sir Russell Coutts, CEO Of SailGP, added, “Brazil has achieved an incredible history of success in Olympic sailing and it’s fitting they are now entering the professional ranks of SailGP – competing against the best in the world.
“This opens up a new and very significant market for SailGP and we’re incredibly excited to further develop Brazil’s passionate fan base and strengthen our connection to the region.”
Meanwhile, the United States SailGP team and Tommy Hilfiger have penned a multi-year partnership that includes ‘lifestyle apparel partner’ designation.
The deal includes brand visibility on the US team’s F50 catamaran boats and uniforms over its duration.
Tommy Hilfiger has been involved in sailing since 2003, when the New York-based brand sponsored Brad Van Liew in the Around Alone yacht race.
Outside of the sport, the company has also served as the apparel partner of the Mercedes Formula 1 team since 2018.
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