SailGP was founded in 2019 by Oracle’s Larry Ellison and legendary sailor Sir Russell Coutts to bring the excitement of high-performance sailing to mainstream audiences. Known as “The F1 of the Water,” SailGP features 10 national teams racing F50 foiling catamarans at speeds of up to 60 mph in stadium-style events near shorelines worldwide.
Mike Buckley, a two-time world champion sailor, is the CEO of the United States SailGP Team. Last year, he led the largest team acquisition in league history with co-owners Ryan McKillen and Margaret McKillen. Under their leadership, the U.S. SailGP Team has attracted a diverse group of investors, including Issa Rae, Deontay Wilder, Marc Lasry, and more.
In this episode, Mike discusses his journey from athlete to entrepreneur and how SailGP is redefining sailing as a media and entertainment platform. He shares insights on building a competitive team, navigating challenges, and the innovative strategies fueling SailGP’s rapid growth. Don’t miss this exciting conversation about the future of sailing and sports entrepreneurship.
Chapters:
0:50 – Sailing Culture Shift: Making it Cool
2:50 – The Role of Athletes and Team Dynamics
6:11 – Marketing and Education: Growing the Audience
9:02 – Sailing vs. Other Sports: A Unique Perspective
12:10 – Building a Competitive Team: Strategies and Challenges
14:59 – Behind the Scenes: Organizational Structures and Community Engagement
17:56 – Team Development in Sailing
20:59 – The Future of Sailing
24:00 – Engaging with Fans: Social Media and Interaction