If you were at the recent Pacific Sail & Power Boat Show in Richmond, CA you might have stopped at the Summer Sailstice booth and entered your name into the draw for tickets to San Franciso SailGP. SailGP involves six national teams that will fight for supremacy aboard identical, supercharged 50-ft foiling catamarans capable of hitting 50 knots. Over the two-day event, spectators will witness five fleet-races and a final match race on a short-format, inshore course.
The US Team rips around Sydney Harbour in the first SailGP event. © 2019 Matt Knighton
In the lead up to this event Summer Sailstice was lucky enough to share a promotion with local sailing magazine, Latitude 38 and give away three double passes to San Francisco SailGP on May 4th and 5th. Show visitors entered the draw at either the Summer Sailstice or Latitude 38 booth, and on Thursday, April 18 we drew the winners and asked them to claim their prize by 5pm the following Monday.
Two very excited winners got back to us before the weekend. That left one to go - the first prize winner! Of course we were a touch nervous that this person might not respond in time, but that didn't stop us from finding out a little about our 2nd and 3rd prize winners and sharing their story in Monday's edition of 'Lectronic Latitude.
Michael Law won third prize, a SailGP 'grandstand seat with premium shoreside view and live race coverage and commentary'. This was the icing on the cake for Michael who coincidently had had a firsthand view of the 50-ft catamarans the previous day. “Wow! This is great! I just met Justin yesterday and had a tour of the pits in Alameda. I am so happy to have the opportunity to be able to view the event. Thank you.”
Second-prize winner, Piyush Arora says he's excited for the opportunity to witness a world class event so close to home. "Watching the pros do it is always amazing. Combined with high speeds, Bay Area conditions and a potential for disaster, it definitely makes for a good spectator sport."
Piyush won a seat on San Francisco SailGP’s official spectator boat, and will watch the race from a privileged position on the racecourse perimeter.
Fortunately the first-prize winner did reply to us before Monday's deadline and was able to claim her prize with much enthusiasm. "I just got the email. So excited! Tammy."
Tammy Forrest won the 'San Francisco SailGP’s Cruise Premier Experience' and will 'enjoy spectacular views from San Francisco SailGP’s premium official spectator boat, a privileged position on the racecourse perimeter, premium food and beverage, an exclusive chalk talk with sailing legend(s) and a SailGP giveaway.'
We're of course quite envious of all three winners but nonetheless offer our heartiest congratulations to Tammy, Piyush, and Michael. Not only will these three sailors enjoy a weekend filled with spectacular racing from excellent vantage points, they also have the privilege of experiencing the very first SailGP event held on US waters.
Established in 2018, SailGP aims to be an annual, global racing event which takes place in some of the world’s most iconic harbors. As the SailGP season progresses, accumulated points determine the two top teams that will go head-to-head in the final, winner-takes-all match race for the title of SailGP Champion and a $1 million purse and trophy.
We wish all three winners a great weekend, and all SailGP competitors the best of luck!
