Hugh Jackman, Ryan Reynolds and the BONDS flying Roos are now co-owners. The three-time champion SailGP Team of Australia is now renamed the BONDS flying Roos.

The investment gives star power to an Australian outfit which has dominated global sailing championships, winning three titles in four seasons.

In a typically wry and sarcastic statement, Jackman said: "We are incredibly excited to embark on this new adventure together." "Hugh is a passionate fan of sailing and he has a great love for his country."

This move comes days after Anne Hathaway, the Oscar-winning actress who sailed to sports ownership in a consortium led by women, acquired the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team. Circuit CEO Russell Coutts described this as "another important milestone in SailGP’s growth as a sport".

SailGP, founded in 2019, pits national teams in identical foiling 50-foot catamarans that reach speeds of over 100 km/h metres from shorelines in iconic ports around the world.

Tom Slingsby is the driver, co-owner, and CEO of the Flying Roos.

"BONDS is our title sponsor and we are building something uniquely Australian. A team that is driven by national pride, spirit, and resilience."

BONDS was founded in 1915 and is Australia's most famous apparel brand. Its underwear, loungewear, and other clothing have been staples in Australian wardrobes since more than a hundred years.

Andy Thompson, SailGP's director, added that "today marks a milestone moment, not only for the Australia team but for SailGP's trajectory globally," underlining the "extraordinary mixture of global reach and vision, as well as commercial nous" brought by the Hollywood duo.

The Flying Roos, newly minted under the ownership of their star-studded owners, will debut at the Mubadala Grand Prix New York Sail on June 7-8. They aim to defend their top spot in the championship leaderboard. (Editing by Toby Davis).

(source: Reuters)