SailGP invites cities to join its Race for the Future

SailGP has opened the bidding process for its season 3 host venues, starting in 2022, following the announcement of an expanded event calendar for its second season.

SailGP is inviting cities that are committed to creating a better future to be part of its global racing calendar as the league sets out to champion a world powered by nature.

Responsible for more than 70% of the world’s energy-related carbon emissions, cities play a crucial role in the transition to a low-carbon economy. SailGP host cities will share their commitment to a cleaner future and will be pioneering innovative solutions to mitigate climate change.

As the first climate-positive sports and entertainment property, SailGP is setting a new standard for major event hosting. From its inception in 2019, SailGP has been measuring, reducing and offsetting its own carbon footprint and has set an ambitious target of 55% reduction of its carbon footprint by 2025. The remaining carbon that can not be eliminated is offset via a partnership with One Carbon World, directly supporting renewable energy wind projects around the world.

SailGP chief executive officer Sir Russell Coutts commented: “We want to use our platform to undertake bold and creative activities that achieve our goal of helping to accelerate the global transition to clean energy. SailGP season 3 will set a new standard for sport globally through our aspiration to assemble the most sustainable global events calendar in sport. Therefore we are inviting cities that share our passion for the environment and clean energy to become a part of history and host a SailGP event in season 3 and beyond.”

Fiona Morgan, SailGP director of purpose and impact, added: “Our ambition is to be the most sustainable and purpose-driven global sports platform. We believe the power of sport can make a big difference to educate and tackle climate change, and next season will be another step in using our platform to do just that. We want to work with host cities that share our values and commitment to a cleaner and better future, and together, working with like-minded cities and partners, believe we have the power to change the world, one event, one city at a time.”

Future SailGP host cities must sign the league’s Climate Action Charter and commit to two key impact projects: one on energy powered by nature for the city and a blue carbon project to maintain or restore critical carbon-sequestering shoreline ecosystems to protect the waters in which SailGP racing takes place.

Building on the foundations set in seasons 1 and 2, SailGP’s third season will commence in May 2022 and run through to March 2023.