SailGP Bermuda Update 2

Japan SailGP Team skipper Nathan Outteridge makes an impassioned press conference plea for urgent financial backing as the prospect of his team’s elimination from the global league looms large

Image © Thomas Lovelock for SailGP...

Only nine of the 10 illustrious SailGP skippers who lined up to face local and international media this morning in Bermuda’s glitzy Hamilton Princess Hotel will be racing on the crystal blue waters of Bermuda’s Great Sound this weekend as the global high-performance circuit’s third season gets under way.

Nathan Outteridge’s underfunded Japanese-flagged team have had to give up their boat to the fully-financed newcomers Canada SailGP Team after global supply chain issues – amongst numerous other factors cited by the circuit organisers – resulted in the tenth boat due to be supplied to the Canadians not to be completed on time.

Despite finishing second for the last two seasons the Japanese squad is due to sit out the first three events of Season 3 – Bermuda, Chicago, and Plymouth – and are only scheduled to return to the fleet at the Danish event in Copenhagen. But according to Outteridge if sponsorship deals are not forthcoming the franchise will be in serious risk of being sold.

Outteridge put on a brave face as he explained his team’s dire situation.