SailGP returns for its sixth season, kicking off with the Perth Sail Grand Prix on January 17, to launch another year of high-speed, high-stakes racing on the world’s oceans. Often described as Formula One on water, the annual international sailing competition continues to redefine elite sailing with identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, national teams and stadium-style waterfront venues.
Beyond the action on the racecourse, SailGP has also been making waves off the water. The league has become an increasingly attractive destination for global celebrities, elite athletes and high-profile investors, drawn by its sustainability focus, franchise model and growing international reach.
Ahead of the 2026 season, which you can watch live on SPOTV NOW, here’s a closer look at some of the most recognisable public figures outside the sailing world who now hold stakes in SailGP teams.
Hugh Jackman & Ryan Reynolds
Bonds Flying Roos (Australia)
The Deadpool & Wolverine stars joined forces off-screen in June 2025 to become co-owners of the three-time SailGP champions. For Jackman, the move marked his first-ever formal involvement in professional sports ownership.
Meanwhile for Reynolds, it was an addition to the Canadian actor’s already expansive sporting portfolio, on top of being a co-owner of Welsh-based football club Wrexham AFC, a minority investor in the Alpine F1 Team and part of a consortium behind Colombian side La Equidad.
Sebastian Vettel
Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank (Germany)
Following his retirement from Formula One, the four-time world champion became part of the German SailGP project in 2023 alongside team owner Thomas Riedel and double Olympic bronze medallist Erik Heil.
Far from being a passive shareholder and figurehead, Vettel has been a visible and vocal supporter of the team. His enthusiasm memorably peaked in 2025, when he took part in the team’s pre-race fly-by at the Germany Sail Grand Prix.
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Kylian Mbappe
France SailGP Team (France)
The Real Madrid superstar joined SailGP’s ownership ranks by investing in the French team through his company, Coalition Capital, in early 2025, while his Inspired By KM foundation became the team’s official charity partner.
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Anne Hathaway
Red Bull Italy SailGP Team (Italy)
The Oscar-winning actress, best known for roles in The Princess Diaries, The Devil Wears Prada, The Dark Knight Rises and Les Misérables, was part of a star-studded investor group of sports industry leaders and private backers that acquired the Italian team in May 2025.
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Jozy Altidore
United States SailGP Team (USA)
The former USMNT forward, who notably played for Hull City and Sunderland in the Premier League, was part of an investor group that acquired the US SailGP Team in 2023. That consortium also included former heavyweight boxing champion Deontay Wilder, NFL star DeAndre Hopkins and American actress Issa Rae.
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