Hollywood hits the high seas as actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds Join SailGP

Khaleej Times

a day ago

When Hollywood royalty meets high-speed hydrofoils, you know the waves are about to get a lot bigger, and more entertaining.
In a splashy new chapter for Australian sport, actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds have officially joined forces as co-owners of Australia's championship-winning SailGP team - now rebranded as the BONDS Flying Roos. The announcement comes as part of a landmark partnership with iconic Aussie underwear brand BONDS, which steps in as the team's first-ever Title Partner.
The newly minted BONDS Flying Roos will make their official debut under their new banner this weekend at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7 =8. With a championship title within reach and new co-owners watching from the docks, the pressure, and the excitement, have never been higher.
Candian Reynolds, who starred in the Deadpool film series, commented, 'We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure. Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing.
Emotional Support
'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.'
Jackman famously played the superhero Wolverine for over 17 years in the X-Men film series.
The pairing of Hollywood stardom with elite competitive sailing is as unexpected as it is inspiring For Jackman, it's a personal homecoming to his Australian roots and a lifelong passion for the ocean. For Reynolds, it's the latest chapter in his ever-expanding portfolio of offbeat and ambitious ventures. Together, they bring global star power to an elite sport built on adrenaline and cutting-edge technology.
Foiling at Full Speed
Founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, SailGP pits 12 national crews in identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, ripping past 100 km/h just metres from shore in the world's most iconic harbours. Led by Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby,
Australia has owned the leaderboard winning three championships in four seasons, and embarks on a new chapter aimed at super-charging fan engagement far beyond the dock.
Slingsby, who also serves as the team's Driver, CEO, and now fellow co-owner of the BONDS Flying Roos said,'This is an incredible milestone for us and our sport, 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 humour 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.'
With the introduction of the BONDS Flying Roos, Australia's team isn't just racing for trophies- it's aiming to redefine how fans connect with the sport of sailing.
Andy Thompson, Managing Director of SailGP, welcomed the iconic actors aboard and said: 'This marks a landmark moment not just for the Australia SailGP Team, but for the trajectory of SailGP globally.
'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.'
New Era, Title Partner
The BONDS multi-year partnership marks the first time the Australian SailGP Team has had a Title Partner.
'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 of 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.'