Excitement is running high at the Port of Los Angeles as SailGP prepares for an action-packed weekend featuring the largest fleet ever assembled—12 national teams competing in cutting-edge, high-speed foiling catamarans. Adding star power to the event, France’s SailGP team has unveiled a high-profile partnership with global football icon Kylian Mbappé, elevating both sporting prowess and community outreach.
Record-breaking fleet hits LA waters
For the first time this season, SailGP will showcase 12 identical F50 catamarans simultaneously on the racecourse, promising unparalleled competition and thrillingly close racing action. SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts emphasised the excitement around this historic fleet size:
“This weekend is going to be incredibly exciting. With 12 boats racing for the first time this season, the competition will be fierce, providing fans with an extraordinary experience both on the water and shoreside.”
Fans can expect highly dynamic, stadium-style racing close to shore, where spectators will have an intimate view of elite athletes pushing sailing’s technological boundaries.
Mbappé boosts France SailGP Team
Ahead of this weekend’s Los Angeles event, the French SailGP Team announced investment from Coalition Capital, which is owned by French football superstar Kylian Mbappé. Mbappé’s charity, Inspired by KM (IBKM), is now officially aligned with the French SailGP squad, significantly broadening the foundation’s global youth empowerment initiatives.
At the press conference French helmsman, Quentin Delapierre, shared his excitement about this transformative partnership:
“We joined forces with Accor to bring Kylian Mbappé into our team, and it’s incredible news. Having someone of his stature supporting us is not only inspirational—it brings energy and confidence to our pursuit of the championship.”
The French team, managed by the innovative sports-tech hub K-Challenge, is leveraging this momentum to build its competitive edge in the SailGP series. Another major sponsor announcement is also scheduled imminently, suggesting a robust financial and competitive future for the French team.
Engaging the Los Angeles community
Alongside the thrilling racing and global star appeal, SailGP’s visit to Los Angeles underscores significant community engagement.
After the recent wildfires in LA, the league and its organisers have proactively invited local first responders to attend the races as honoured guests, acknowledging their critical role within the community.
Sir Russell Coutts expressed the league’s commitment to community involvement:
“We want to give back significantly to the Los Angeles community. It’s our privilege to welcome local first responders as our guests and create memorable experiences for them this weekend.”
Despite near-capacity ticket sales for Saturday’s racing, SailGP has committed to ensuring these community heroes have a front-row experience, emphasising the league’s values beyond competition.
Building momentum stateside
Los Angeles marks the start of an exciting trio of U.S. SailGP events, including upcoming races in San Francisco and New York. With the U.S. SailGP team making its anticipated return to home waters this weekend, anticipation and enthusiasm amongst local sailing and sports fans are palpable.
As SailGP grows its global footprint, the combination of thrilling competition, powerful community engagement, and strategic partnerships—highlighted by Mbappé’s involvement—sets the stage for an exciting event. The racing in Los Angeles promises to showcase the very best of SailGP: speed, technology, competition, and global community spirit.
For sailing and sports fans alike, all eyes will be on the waters of Los Angeles this weekend.
