In Conversation with SailGP: Racing Towards a Sustainable Future

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Welcome aboard, fellow adventurers of the seas! Today, we embark on a thrilling voyage into the world of competitive sailing, focusing on SailGP, the pioneering global sporting league charting a course toward a more sustainable future. Join us as we navigate the winds of change and delve deep into our recent conversation with Fiona Morgan, the Chief Purpose Officer at SailGP, in our latest Pre-Zero Sports Talk episode, “In Conversation with SailGP: Racing Towards a Sustainable Future.”

High-quality action shot of SailGP race, showcasing the speed and intensity of sailing competition.
Australia SailGP Team helmed by Tom Slingsby lead ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team, Canada SailGP Team, Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team and France SailGP Team on Race Day 1 of the ROCKWOOL Italy Sail Grand Prix in Taranto, Italy. 23rd September 2023. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Setting Sail into Uncharted Waters

Picture this: sleek, high-tech F50 catamaran navigating through the waves, propelled by the raw power of wind and human ingenuity. This is the exhilarating world of SailGP, where cutting-edge technology meets the age-old tradition of sailing. Founded in 2018 by sailing legend Sir Russell Coutts and US- Tech businessman and entrepreneur Larry Ellison, SailGP has quickly emerged as a global powerhouse in competitive sailing, captivating audiences with its adrenaline-fueled races and unwavering commitment to sustainability.

Pioneering Sustainable Practices

SailGP isn’t just paying lip service to sustainability – it’s leading by example. From implementing innovative initiatives like the SailGP Impact League, where athletes compete for glory in environmental and social stewardship, to prioritizing sustainable practices in event logistics and boat construction, SailGP sets a new standard for environmental responsibility in sports.

Leading by Example

Under Fiona’s leadership, SailGP has garnered widespread recognition for its commitment to sustainability, earning prestigious awards such as the BBC Green Sport Ambition and Impact Award. By championing sustainability in every aspect of its operations, SailGP proves that environmental responsibility and high-performance sports can go hand in hand.

Empowering Women in Sailing and High-Profile Partnerships

Fiona spoke passionately about SailGP’s Women’s Pathway, a program providing female athletes with empowering opportunities in competitive sailing. Additionally, the involvement of F1 star Sebastien Vettel investing in the Germany SailGP Team Team Germany underscores SailGP’s high-profile partnerships and the growing recognition of sustainability in the sports industry.

Female Athlete Showcasing the SailGP Women's Pathway: Photos that capture the empowering vibe of SailGP's Women's Pathway program.
As the Australia Sail Grand Prix returns to Sydney Harbour, the athletes of the SailGP Women’s Pathway Program assemble for a group photo from the Royal Botanic Gardens on Mrs Macquaries Point overlooking the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Two-time gold Olympic medallist and two-time world champion Hannah Mills, strategist of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, stands alongside Liv Mackay, strategist of New Zealand SailGP Team, Anna Weis, strategist of USA SailGP Team, Katja Salskov-Iversen, strategist of ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team, Anna Barth, strategist of Germany SailGP Team, Laurane Mettraux, grinder and strategist of Switzerland SailGP Team, Tash Bryant, strategist of Australia SailGP Team, Manon Audinet, strategist of France SailGP Team, Nicole van der Velden, strategist of Spain SailGP Team, Isabella Bertold, strategist of Canada SailGP Team. Racing takes place in Sydney Harbour this weekend of the Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th February between 4pm and 5.30pm. (Editor’s Note: Image has been digitally retouched). Friday 23rd February 2024. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Charting a Course for the Future

As SailGP continues to expand its global footprint, Fiona remains steadfast in her commitment to driving sustainability forward. With each race and each innovation, SailGP is paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for competitive sailing. Join us as we embark on this journey with SailGP and set our sights on a horizon filled with promise and possibility.

Key Takeaways from the Episode

  • SailGP’s unwavering commitment to sustainability and innovation is reshaping the sport landscape.
  • Fiona Morgan’s leadership drives positive change within SailGP and inspires a new generation of athletes to embrace sustainability and purpose.
  • Through pioneering initiatives like the SailGP Impact League and the Women’s Pathway program, SailGP sets a new standard for environmental and social responsibility in sports.
  • The league’s partnerships with high-profile figures like Sebastien Vettel underscore the growing recognition of sustainability in the sports industry.
Dive into the inner workings of SailGP events with our collection of candid behind-the-scenes photos. From athletes gearing up for races to crew members fine-tuning the boats, these images offer a rare glimpse into the meticulous preparations and teamwork behind every exhilarating race.
Anne-Marie Rindom, strategist of ROCKWOOL Denmark SailGP Team, and Hannah Diamond, strategist of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, run across the boat as Hannah Mills, strategist of Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, takes control of the wheel with Laurane Mettraux, grinder and strategist of Switzerland SailGP Team, on the grinding handles and Manon Audinet, strategist of France SailGP Team, in the cockpit during a female athlete training session as part of the Women’s Pathway Program ahead of the Emirates Sail Grand Prix presented by P&O Marinas in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. 7th December 2023. Photo: Ricardo Pinto for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, our conversation with Fiona Morgan offers a captivating glimpse into SailGP’s journey towards a more sustainable future. By prioritizing sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and empowering women in sport, SailGP is redefining competitive sailing and inspiring positive change on a global scale. So, hop aboard and join us as we set sail with SailGP and embark on an adventure towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow.

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