The Role of Support Boats in SailGP
Anyone who’s watched SailGP knows the adrenaline-fueled intensity of the competition—foiling catamarans hurtling across the water at speeds over 50 knots, teams executing high-risk manoeuvres, and every crew member pushing the limits for every point. Reflecting on their dramatic capsize in Sydney, U.S. team CEO and strategist Mike Buckley summed it up bluntly:
“We probably all almost died, but you pick yourself up. We all know the risks when we leave the dock. You can either take a step back or step forward.”
With stakes this high, support boats aren’t just an option—they’re a necessity. These high-performance foiling catamarans demand support vessels that can keep pace with the action, stay stable in rough conditions, and carry race officials, crew, and media. They must be ready for anything—from emergency rescues to towing a damaged yacht—while being easily transported to venues across the globe.
When SailGP launched in October 2018, the team behind it—sailing legends Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison—chose Rayglass Protector RIBs as the backbone of their support fleet. Built in New Zealand, these vessels are renowned for their durability, stability, and high performance—making them the perfect match for the high-octane world of SailGP.
Rayglass Protector RIBs, the backbone of SailGP support
Rayglass Protector RIBs have been SailGP’s official support and patrol boats since the series’ inception. The partnership wasn’t by chance—SailGP’s founders were already well-acquainted with Rayglass Protectors through the America’s Cup, where Protectors had served for over two decades.
Lyndsay Turner, Protector International Sales and Marketing Director, recalls the early collaboration: “When SailGP’s concept was taking shape, the team was based at Core Developments in Warkworth, New Zealand. It was a natural choice to select Protectors for their support fleet.”
As the race yachts’ hulls were being developed, the team identified the need for chase boats capable of matching the yachts’ blistering speeds and towing them in emergencies. Rayglass worked closely with SailGP to determine the optimal vessel configuration.
“We sat down and calculated the biggest Protector model that could fit inside a standard 40-foot container to keep shipping costs down. The selected boat needed substantial horsepower—hence the choice of twin 300hp engines,” Lyndsay explains.
This led to the selection of the Rayglass Protector 330 Chase, a rigid inflatable boat (RIB) designed specifically for high-performance sailing events like SailGP. Since its debut, the 330 Chase has consistently proven its mettle in the most demanding conditions.
And this week, Rayglass has announced that SailGP, now with 12 teams, has requested an additional three Rayglass Protector 330 RIBs (on top of their existing 9 Protectors) to act as support boats. That’s fantastic news for Rayglass.
Rayglass Protector 330 RIBs are built for performance and safety
SailGP’s fast-paced, high-stakes environment demands support vessels that are fast, stable, and reliable—qualities inherent to the Rayglass Protector range. The 330 Chase is designed to keep pace with foiling catamarans exceeding 50 knots while maintaining stability in rough seas and unpredictable weather.
Outfitted with twin 300hp to 900hp outboard engines, the 330 Chase delivers unmatched speed and handling. Its extended hull design ensures smooth navigation, even in challenging conditions, while the spacious fore and aft decks offer ample room for race officials, support crews, media, spare gear, and medical personnel.
Rayglass has worked closely with SailGP to fine-tune the Protectors for the series’ unique demands, incorporating upgrades such as:
- Shockwave seats on plinths – Enhancing crew comfort and incorporating built-in storage for efficient gear management.
- Reinforced tow poles – Designed to handle emergency towing of damaged SailGP catamarans.
- Additional bow handrails – Providing extra stability and safety for crew members at high speeds.
“These are tough boats built for all-water performance,” Lyndsay emphasises. The Protectors deliver both the speed and safety SailGP demands, allowing the competition to push the limits while ensuring crew and yacht safety.
Global reach and logistics
SailGP’s global expansion—now featuring 12 teams across multiple continents—has placed enormous logistical demands on the support fleet. One of the standout advantages of the 330 Chase is its portability. The largest boat that can still fit inside a standard 40-foot container, it offers unmatched ease of transport to SailGP venues worldwide.
“SailGP’s choice of Protectors was clear—speed, safety, and easy logistics,” says Lyndsay. The boats can be launched directly from containers, reducing setup times and logistical challenges, ensuring SailGP events run smoothly from one corner of the globe to the next.
Rayglass’s partnership with SailGP reflects their broader commitment to elite sailing competitions. Rayglass Protectors have been integral to the America’s Cup for over two decades, and their involvement with SailGP continues this legacy. Protectors are shipped to regattas around the world, reinforcing Rayglass’s reputation as the leading choice for high-performance sailing support vessels.
For Rayglass, the SailGP partnership goes beyond supplying boats—it’s about being part of a groundbreaking sailing series that pushes the sport’s boundaries.
“We’re immensely proud to supply SailGP with Protectors,” Lyndsay shares. “When SailGP events are underway, the energy at Rayglass HQ is electric. Whether watching from home or supporting the event live in New Zealand, it’s a highlight for our entire team.”
The SailGP events in Auckland had a significant impact on the local community, reviving economic activity and tourism to levels unseen since the America’s Cup. “It put food on plates for countless local businesses. From a tourism perspective, it was a tremendous advertisement for New Zealand and for Rayglass Protectors,” Lyndsay reflects.
The ongoing partnership between SailGP and Rayglass Protector showcases how innovation, performance, and safety converge to create world-class sailing experiences. The Rayglass Protector 330 Chase is more than just a support boat—it’s a critical component in the high-speed, high-stakes world of SailGP, ensuring safety and reliability at every turn.
