Four community organisations are set to have reduced energy bills and lower carbon emissions as a result of SailGP’s impact project in Plymouth.

The project saw SailGP team up with Plymouth City Council and Plymouth Energy Community, which donated over 100 solar panels from a school that is being relocated. SailGP has funded the installation of these solar panels onto four local community buildings - a project which supports the league’s ambition to be entirely powered by clean energy by 2025 and work with host venues to promote clean energy initiatives.

A total of 18 panels are set to be installed at Snapdragons, a newly established group which sets out to bring communities together through nature while 20 panels will be given to Nudge Community Builders, which aims to regenerate buildings in Stonehouse.

Season 3 // Great Britain Sail Grand Prix // Local impact project solar panels

Elsewhere, a total of 65 panels were donated to the Plymstock Albion Oaks Rugby Club in Horsham which runs teams and delivers training sessions to children, while new panels will be installed at the Argyle Community Trust, which uses football to inspire and engage people of all ages.

The planning and installation of the solar panels, all of which will be funded by SailGP, is already well underway. The installation at Snapdragons was completed during race week in Plymouth, with the Great Britain SailGP Team visiting the organisation to see the panels in place.

Speaking about the project, Sail GP’s Sustainability and Impact Project Manager, Rosie Gosling said: “Having a positive impact in the community, supporting projects that promote clean energy and showcasing that sailing can be a force for good is a critical part of our mission at SailGP.

“Working with the PEC on this project is a great example of how we can combine resources and expertise to create sustainable solutions and deliver tangible, clean energy benefits to people and communities in the cities where our events take place.”