A documentary taking viewers behind the scenes of the action, the mindset of champions and the science of sailing
Sydney, AUSTRALIA - 2 February 2023 - For the first time on the big screen, Sydney's Australian National Maritime Museum will play host to the world premiere of SAILGP | RACE FOR THE FUTURE, a two-part 40-minute documentary that takes viewers behind the scenes of the “world's most exciting racing on water" and how it is building a better future for aspiring athletes and the planet.
It will be screened at the museum from Saturday 11 February until Sunday 19 February 2023 as part of the KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix | Sydney happening over the weekend of 18-19 February. Screenings will take place daily at 11am and 2 pm.
Brought to audiences by SailGP Inspire, the global league's community, education and outreach initiative, this immersive cinematic experience demonstrates that sailing can be a force for good, powered by nature and driven by purpose. The objective of Inspire is for SailGP to leave a positive legacy and build a sustainable sport by providing equal, life-changing opportunities and new career pathways for all. By working with local communities and partners, SailGP Inspire aims to help diversify the sport of sailing for youth without race, gender, and socioeconomic status presenting a barrier to entry.
Tom Slingsby, CEO & driver of the Australia SailGP Team said: “Our hope is that the messages contained in our SAILGP | RACE FOR THE FUTURE documentary will inspire not only the next generation of athletes, but everyone who cares about a sustainable world, and demonstrate how we can build a better future through a better sport and a better planet.”
Now in its third season, SailGP is a high-speed, high-tech, high-impact, close-to-shore global racing league that takes place in front of sell-out crowds in iconic waterfront cities worldwide. National teams go into battle sailing identical F50 foiling catamarans driven by the world's best athletes and powered by nature. Teams compete on a level playing field where data is shared and talent matters.
The KPMG Australia Sail Grand Prix I Sydney takes place on the weekend of 18-19 February, marking the ninth event in the eleven-event SailGP Season 3 calendar that culminates with the Grand Final in San Francisco in May 2023. It is the fourth time the SailGP event has come to Sydney and the Australia team, led by Tom Slingsby, has been the league’s Champion for both Seasons 1 and 2 and is currently at the top of the leaderboard for Season 3.
Ms Daryl Karp, CEO and Director of the Australian National Maritime Museum said: “We are the home of Australia’s sailing history. SailGP is at the cutting edge of sailing science and sustainability, and it is a privilege to work alongside them. We are proud to be the venue of SAILGP | RACE FOR THE FUTURE, as well as working with their Inspire program in Barangaroo to help inspire the next generation to the thrill of the ocean.”
Entry to the Maritime Museum is free of charge. To secure seats for the documentary, visitors are required to pre-register their preferred date and session time at SailGP.com/maritimeexhibition
Group (6+) bookings and private viewings are also available - to arrange please contact sydney@sailgp.com.
The KPMG Australian Sail Grand Prix I Sydney is proudly supported by the NSW Government via its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW.
ABOUT THE DOCUMENTARY //
Part One (20 minutes)
When you are at the mercy of nature and the odds are high, what defines the makings of a champion? RACING ON THE EDGE: Anatomy of a Champion explores the wet and wild thrills and spills of SailGP racing and the incredible skill and talent of its athletes who go to battle in the world's most technologically-advanced foiling catamaran that reaches speeds of up to 100 km/h. It dissects how driver of the Australia team, Tom Slingsby, has managed to pull off some of the most unbelievable comebacks ever seen in SailGP. It asks: at the time of most despair, how do you recover? And, being able to come back, is that what defines a champion?
Slingsby is one of the most successful sailors in the world having won an Olympic gold medal, nine world championships, the America’s Cup and setting numerous world records, in addition to being crowned World Sailor of the Year twice.
Part Two (20 minutes)
When science, the forces of nature and human skill combine, watch out! Championing a World Powered by Nature takes an educational angle explaining why SailGP is the world's first climate-positive sporting event. It shows how SailGP utilises nature's gifts of water, wind and sun. It explains the science of sailing and why skill, knowledge and physical strength is required to work with nature's elements.