ROCKWOOL has reaffirmed its commitment to SailGP in a multi-year agreement that marks a new era as Title Partner of the Denmark SailGP Team, and sees the global sustainability leader become the Title Partner of the Italy Sail Grand Prix in Taranto, Southern Italy.

As Title Partner of the team, ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team debuted an eye-catching new look in Chicago to kick off SailGP Season 4 last month – and will look to build on its Season 3 Impact League championship victory with an ocean-focused showcase in Italy.

The ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix in Taranto on 23-24 September will mark the second time that SailGP has brought the most exciting racing on water to Southern Italy, following a debut event in Season 2 back in June 2021.

In collaboration with its Race For The Future partner One Ocean Foundation and SailGP Inspire, ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team will deliver a series of ocean-focused activities in Taranto – including digital experiences, ocean science workshops and cultural events.

“We’re excited to partner with SailGP to present the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix, an event where we will put coastal city health at the forefront of the discussion both in Italy, and beyond,” said Mirella Vitale, Senior Vice President, Group Marketing, Communications and Public Affairs at ROCKWOOL.

“Through our work with the Denmark SailGP Team and our partner One Ocean Foundation, we are drawing attention to the reality that coastal cities are the most affected by climate change and that, according to IPCC reports, most of this impact is self-induced – and therefore also preventable.

She adds: “Taranto is known as the ‘City of Two Seas’ and is rich in both maritime history and natural biodiversity. That makes it an obvious choice for ROCKWOOL to showcase our sustainable solutions.”

During the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix, One Ocean Foundation will team up with SailGP Inspire to bring its landmark One Ocean Young initiative – a step-by-step marine education programme, aimed at inspiring young people between 7 and 18 years old to learn about and take action for our seas, coastlines and coastal communities – to the Puglia region.

It is the first time that the programme – which last year welcomed more than 3,000 students from schools across the Lombardy region – has taken place outside of Milan, and will see the Foundation host five high schools from across Taranto, reaching more than 300 youngsters.

Activities will include workshop learning sessions, ocean lectures, plankton and microplastics observation and analysis, beach cleaning and a broad range of digital learning materials including educational games and quizzes.

“One Ocean Foundation is delighted to support the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix as SailGP, one of sport’s leading sustainable platforms comes to Italy,” said Riccardo Bonadeo, President, One Ocean Foundation.

“We are an international foundation with proudly Italian roots, but through our partnership with ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team we have been able to connect to young people all over the globe in Season 3, and truly witness the impact that sports and athletes can have on the next-generation all over the world.”

An estimated 28,000 spectators turned out to watch SailGP’s world-class fleet race in Taranto in Season 2, despite the event operating under limited attendance capacity due to pandemic restrictions – with a total TV audience of 73.2 million tuning in from around the world. The Italy Sail Grand Prix delivered an economic impact of more than $6.8 million to the city of Taranto.

"Our city, inspired by nature, the sea, sport and culture has been experiencing for some years now, a transition towards a model of sustainable growth - this well matches the role that ROCKWOOL, a great example of sustainability in its sector, will play on the Taranto stage," says Taranto Mayor Rinaldo Melucci.

Earlier this year, ROCKWOOL was recognised as one of the most sustainable companies in the world, and the global sustainability leader among Building Products companies in the Global 100 sustainability ranking by Corporate Knights.

In 2022, as a result of the SailGP partnership, ROCKWOOL formally adopted the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #14: Life Below Water.

“It’s fantastic that ROCKWOOL, one of the world’s most sustainable companies, is reaffirming its commitment to SailGP, as we begin a new chapter in our long-term partnership,” said Julien Di Biase, Chief Operating Officer SailGP.

“The ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix gives us an opportunity to put a renewed spotlight on ocean health and engage and inspire new audiences, including the next generation, who will lead the fight against climate change and ocean pollution in the years to come.”

He adds: “ROCKWOOL has played a huge role in shaping the Denmark SailGP Team since day one, building a passionate, world-class team in its own image, and with sustainability in its DNA – and they deservedly go to Italy as SailGP Impact League champions. I’m excited to see the positive impact that we can make together in Season 4.”

As part of the multi-year agreement, ROCKWOOL will also be the Title Partner of SailGP events in 2024, 2025 and 2026.