Guests experience SailGP up close at immersive New York preview event

More than 200 special guests came together last night to celebrate the countdown to New York City’s racing event of the summer, the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix (June 22-23). Held at the iconic Hall des Lumières in Tribeca, the preview event provided an immersive experience of the global racing championship, with league CEO Sir Russell Coutts exclusively revealing that SailGP would return to the city in Season 5.

The event was presented by Madison Square Garden host Chuck Lott and was attended by the new-look U.S. SailGP Team – their first outing since the team’s Bermuda capsize earlier this month. A variety of New York tastemakers and personalities, dignitaries, media guests, executives and partners were also in attendance, including DJ Brendan Fallis who closed out the evening with a live set.

Guests were treated to an immersive 360-degree view of the most exciting racing on water – using a range of audiovisual content to put guests right in the heart of the action.

Coutts said: “To race in the most iconic city in the world is an enormous privilege for us, and we can’t wait to put on some incredible entertainment for those in attendance very soon.

“We race in incredible venues all over the world – but none better suited to SailGP’s urban, stadium racing than right here in New York. Which is why I’m delighted to announce that, in addition to being here next month, we’ll be back again next year, having just confirmed the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix will be part of our Season 5 calendar.”

Welcoming the news SailGP would be back, Natalie Koepff, NYC Tourism, Chief Operating Officer & General Counsel said: “Since 2019, New York City has been a SailGP host city and we are so proud to continue our partnership with the organization. SailGP will be a great kick-off to the summer season, when our city’s streets are buzzing with visitors from across the globe.”

Their view was shared by U.S. SailGP Team CEO Mike Buckley, who said: “If we play our cards right, I think we can be that beginning of summer event - a bit like the US Open. You see the Mercedes, US Open cars driving around town, every New Yorker knows the US Open's in town. I think we can do that as SailGP, but we need the support of those in the city to come and watch the event.”

With just over five weeks to go until the event, anticipation for next month’s Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix is building. The event – the penultimate 12th stop on a 13-event global calendar – will unfold over two action-packed days of racing on New York Harbor. Fans can enjoy all the excitement from the purpose-built SailGP Race Stadium on Governors Island. With private corporate hospitality already sold out, fans are encouraged to get in quick to avoid missing out.

The event will be the home debut for the new-look U.S. SailGP Team – purchased last November by an all-star group of major sports, technology and entertainment leaders, led by founding Uber engineer Ryan McKillen, Margaret McKillen, and two-time world champion sailor Buckley. The Avenue Sports Fund, led by Avenue Capital Group CEO Marc Lasry, is the lead investor in the largest team acquisition in SailGP history.

Speaking alongside U.S. SailGP Team athletes, Buckley encouraged fans to get in quick to avoid missing out: “We are super excited about the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix and can’t wait to put on a show for our fans. SailGP is like no other spectator sport and those that come and watch the event will be hooked instantly and surely craving more.”