SailGP fans can now go behind the scenes of the largest team acquisition in league history in the latest episode of Racing on the Edge.
The league’s official docu-series gives exclusive insight into how the deal was brokered behind closed doors and the decisions which led to the major shakeup of the team, culminating in the departure of driver Jimmy Spithill.
Elsewhere, the episode exclusively reveals that Spithill will sub in to replace Australia driver Tom Slingsby in Dubai - marking both the first time Spithill has competed for his home nation since 2001 and the first ever SailGP event missed by Slingsby.
The episode also delves into the rumbling feud between Canada and Spain, the on-water row between Emirates GBR and New Zealand in Cadiz, and the dramatic injury of U.S. flight controller Hans Henken in Taranto.
Speaking about his departure from the U.S. team, Spithill says: “The place was in last place when I took over, and look at where we are now - we just in Cadiz, Spain and in the overall standings we’re on the podium, we’re in third place so if we were going to race in the Grand Final tomorrow, the U.S. team would be in the Final. You talk about winning a turn key team, with a winning culture.”
SailGP CEO Russell Coutts adds: “He’s leaving the team in a great situation and he’s almost leaving the next team with the challenge - well, let’s see guys, let’s see if you can match what I’m doing.”
Produced in partnership with Rolex, Racing on the Edge features behind-the scenes-insight and up-close interviews with the Championship’s biggest personalities, including New Zealand’s Peter Burling, Emirates GBR driver Ben Ainslie and Australia’s Tom Slingsby.
Every episode of Racing on the Edge is available on SailGP's YouTube channel.
