- Aussie team chasing glory in SailGP this weekend in Abu Dhabi
- Whopping $3million in prizemoney awaits the winner
- ‘Flying Roos’ backed by Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds
An Aussie team competing in the lucrative SailGP – who are backed by Hollywood superstars Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds – have issued an ominous warning to their rivals: we are coming for you.
Sydney-raised Jackman and Reynolds are co-owners of the crew dubbed the ‘Flying Roos.’
Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby said his experienced team are desperate to win the world sailing league this weekend, which has been compared to F1 on water.
Ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi, Australia sit third in the standings, just four points ahead of fourth-placed Spain.
Great Britain are the current yardstick ahead of New Zealand.
The top three SailGP nations will move through to the grand final race, with a whopping $3million awarded to the winners.
An Aussie team competing in the lucrative SailGP – who are backed by Hollywood superstars Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds (pictured) – have issued an ominous warning to their rivals
Sydney raised Jackman and Reynolds are co-owners of the crew dubbed the ‘Flying Roos’, with Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby (pictured) the skipper
Ahead of weekend’s season finale in Abu Dhabi, Australia sits third on the leader board – if they qualify for the final, $3million awaits the winner
Aussie skipper Slingsby is craving windy conditions in Abu Dhabi, but stressed his team can adapt when they need to.
‘I think there’s a lot of us out there who would prefer potentially a windier venue for the final….that’s got a higher chance of more exciting racing,’ he said.
‘In saying that, we’ve definitely improved in light-air races.
‘It would be great to go from being the heavy-air team…….to winning the final under everyone’s noses in light air.’
Slingsby’s boat has traditionally thrived in heavier conditions, winning two of the previous three grand finals held on San Francisco Bay.
He added his two high-profile backers from Tinseltown offer support, not pressure.
‘They are both very passionate, and want to see us do well….it’s all positive reinforcement,’ he said.
‘It’s changing our sport, their reach is massive….as a result, we are getting so many new people starting to follow us.’
Live coverage is on Fox Sports from 2pm AEDT on November 29 and 30.