DUSSELDORF, Germany – Retired four-time Formula One champion Sebastian Vettel and Olympic rowing bronze medalist Erik Heil will help lead the new German Sailing Team in the public tycoon’s global tournament. Artist Larry Ellison.
Vettel will be a co-investor along with team owner Thomas Reidel and both will take an active role in the management and operations of the team. Heil will pilot the team’s 50-foot catamaran.
Germany becomes the 10th team in SailGP, starting the fourth season on June 16-17 with the Rolex United States Sail grand opening at the Navy Pier in Chicago.
“I see a lot of potential as SailGP starts its fourth and first season with a German team,” Vettel said. “The similarities between sailors and Formula 1 have existed for a long time. The boats are fascinating and the speed on the water is unbelievable. The races are fun and I’m happy to be side by side with them with a dynamic group of young sailors. In addition, the series not only uses wind power, but also strives to set new standards for sustainability in sport.”
Tom Slingsby, captain of the three-time defending champion SailGP Australiasaid Vettel’s entry into the tournament as an investor “is a great thing for our sport. He’s probably not a sailor, maybe he doesn’t know anything about the sport. SailGP was a start-up three years ago and the fact that we now have some of the greatest athletes in the world is unbelievable and I think that’s a sign shows where SailGP is going.”
Riedel’s media company provides on-site wireless media and television production infrastructure for the tournament as a technology provider.
“As a company, we have always been able to not only understand formats but develop them through technology and innovation. I see great potential in all aspects with the German Sailing Team: sport, business and media,” said Riedel.
