THE ‘BONDS FLYING ROOS"
It’s all change in the antipodean fleet. The Aussie green-and-gold juggernaut that’s ruled the SailGP seas is now sailing under a new banner — and with two bonafide Hollywood heavyweights at the helm. Enter the BONDS Flying Roos, backed not just by Olympic gold medallist Tom Slingsby, but also by none other than Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds, who’ve hopped aboard as co-owners and part-time mischief-makers.
That’s right — the Flying Roos have slipped their moorings with a bellyful of national pride, a new name, and a title partner stitched right into the sails. Thanks to Aussie icon BONDS, this flying marsupial of a racing team is kitted out and comfortable where it counts.
“It’s a perfect fit,” declared Jackman and Reynolds in a statement laced with their trademark charm, “Hugh brings the love of country and sailing. Ryan brings the clingy emotional support. And yes, we may be writing this in our undies. No further comment.”
SailGP, the global league where 50-foot catamarans tear around harbours faster than a southerly buster, was founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Oracle’s Larry Ellison. Since then, Australia has become its top dogfish — three titles in four seasons and not a jib out of place. But now? Now the game’s changed. This isn’t just sailing — this is a movement in motion.
“This is a big moment — for our team and the sport,” said Tom Slingsby, who now wears three caps: Skipper, CEO, and Co-Owner. “With Hugh and Ryan on board, we’re bringing in big hearts, bigger laughs, and a global audience. The Flying Roos are built on grit, wit, and Aussie blood — and BONDS just makes it official.”
BONDS themselves, a household name from Byron to Broome, have never shied away from an adventure. “We’re known for comfort and spirit,” said Tanya Deans, BONDS Australia’s president, “and SailGP is full of both — especially when your bum’s glued to a trampoline doing 100 clicks an hour into a headwind.”
This multi-year partnership isn’t just about logos and laughs. It’s the first time an Aussie SailGP crew’s had a Title Partner, and it marks a new tack for BONDS — one of global ambition and sport-fuelled cool. Just months after their U.S. launch with Robert Irwin, they’re turning up the heat with foils, fame, and flying hulls.
The BONDS Flying Roos will debut their new name and look at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, June 7–8. If the wind gods smile, the Roos will not only hold their lead on the leaderboard but mark this new chapter with a splash of champagne and a standing ovation.
And to those watching from shore, a word of warning: don’t blink. The Aussies are fast, loud, and now backed by the only crew in the fleet who can brag about being both Olympic champions and action movie royalty. From front-stretch foil lifts to comfort-stretch waistbands — the BONDS Flying Roos are here to sail hard, laugh louder, and look damn good doing it.