Another week – another celebrity SailGP takeover. After the recent announcement of American film star Anne Hathaway's involvement in buying Red Bull Italy, this time it is Australian actor Hugh Jackman and Canadian/American star Ryan Reynolds behind the purchase of Tom Slingsby's Australian team.
The three-time SailGP champions from Australia have a fresh name, fresh look, and some seriously high-profile new teammates.
Unveiled today, the newly branded BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team will now fly the flag for Australia on the SailGP circuit with co-owners Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds joining Driver and CEO Tom Slingsby at the helm. The relaunch also marks the first time the Aussie squad has had a title partner—none other than Australian underwear brand BONDS.
The comedic duo of Jackman and Reynolds wasted no time putting their spin on the announcement:
“We’re incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure," they said in a joint statement. "Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia. No comment on whether we’re writing this in our BONDS. No further questions.”
The partnership with BONDS brings over a century of Aussie identity and humour to a team that’s long balanced world-class racing with a laid-back, fiercely competitive attitude.
“This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport,” said Tom Slingsby. “Having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team. They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humor that fits perfectly with our team. With BONDS joining as our Title Partner and the launch of the BONDS Flying Roos, we’re building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.”
Founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, SailGP features 12 national teams racing identical 50-foot foiling catamarans at over 100 km/h in some of the world’s most iconic venues. The Australian crew, led by Olympic gold medallist Slingsby, has dominated the league so far—winning three of the first four seasons.
For SailGP itself, the announcement is more than a rebrand. It’s a commercial and cultural boost that brings two of the world’s most recognisable entertainers into the fold.
“Today marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia SailGP Team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally,” said Andy Thompson, SailGP Managing Director. “We’re thrilled to officially welcome Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds as co-owners of the newly-branded BONDS Flying Roos, bringing with them an extraordinary combination of global reach, vision, commercial nous and no doubt plenty of fun along the way too.”
BONDS, meanwhile, is riding its own wave of global expansion. The partnership with the Flying Roos follows hot on the heels of a U.S. launch and a campaign with wildlife ambassador Robert Irwin.
“BONDS is famous for its signature Aussie spirit and it’s no secret that Aussies love sport, being on the water, and just a hint of danger. Enter SailGP, the next exciting chapter in our journey to take BONDS to the world,” said Tanya Deans, President BONDS Australia.
“We’re thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fueled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight. And how do you say no to Hugh Jackman? He’s Australian royalty! As we set sail on this new adventure, the BONDS Flying Roos have one less thing to worry about – we’ve got their backs (and bums) covered.”
The newly minted BONDS Flying Roos will make their official racing debut at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7–8, aiming to maintain their spot at the top of the Season 4 leaderboard—with a bit more media buzz and a few extra celebrity selfies in the boat park.
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