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Team NZ skipper named at helm of new SailGP team

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, September 19th 2025 at 21:29 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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SailGP’s New Swedish Flag‑Bearer: Nathan Outteridge Joins the Driver’s Seat

In a move that is sure to stir the international sailing community, former America's Cup skipper Nathan Outteridge has been announced as the “driver” for a brand‑new Swedish team in the high‑speed global racing series, SailGP. The news, which appeared in the New Zealand Herald, highlights the growing appeal of the sport and the continued influence of Outteridge’s experience on the cutting edge of modern yacht racing.

From the World Cup to the World’s Fastest Catamarans

Outteridge is no stranger to elite sailing. The 34‑year‑old skipper won a gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 49er class and captained the New Zealand syndicate at the 2017 and 2021 Louis Vuitton Cup campaigns. His tenure on the world stage has earned him a reputation as a master tactician, a smooth leader, and a relentless advocate for the sport’s future.

In 2021, Outteridge announced his retirement from the America's Cup after a storied 16‑year career that began with his first World Championship podium in 2002. The same year, he co‑founded the SailGP series with the intention of bringing a faster, more technologically advanced racing format to the sport’s fan base. SailGP, which debuted in 2019, is a competition built around the world’s fastest foiling catamarans, the “SailGP 60s.” Teams represent their nations and race in a double‑header format in venues ranging from Sydney to Singapore, attracting millions of viewers worldwide.

The SailGP series itself has become a launching pad for the next generation of sailors, and Outteridge’s name is now set to appear on a new team banner—Team Sweden. While the term “driver” might be more common in motorsport, in SailGP it refers to the skipper or leading crew member who steers the catamaran through its razor‑sharp foils and over its 35‑foot deck.

Why Sweden?

Sweden’s entry into SailGP marks a strategic expansion of the series beyond its original core of New Zealand, Australia, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Brazil. The country’s new team is the first from Scandinavia, and the move underlines the series’ intention to tap into fresh markets and talent pools. The Swedish team will be based at the Gothenburg Yacht Club, a historic venue that has been the home of many European sailing legends.

According to SailGP’s official communications, Outteridge will bring a wealth of experience not only as a former captain but also as a seasoned series founder. His dual perspective as both a competitor and an administrator positions him uniquely to shape the Swedish team’s identity, strategy, and technical development. In a press release, SailGP executive director and New Zealand team owner, Peter McGrath, described Outteridge as “the embodiment of what we stand for—innovation, teamwork, and passion for the sport.”

What the Role Entails

In SailGP, the driver is responsible for a multitude of tasks: selecting sail trim, positioning the crew for optimal aerodynamics, making split‑second tactical decisions, and communicating with sponsors and the media. The job is physically demanding, as the catamarans reach speeds of up to 40 knots and can lift the hulls high above the water, a feat only achievable through precise coordination.

Outteridge’s skill set fits the profile perfectly. During his Olympic and America's Cup campaigns, he was known for his razor‑sharp race‑analysis and calm composure under pressure. The Swedish team’s crew will work closely with him to develop a data‑driven approach to racing—leveraging the latest telemetry, wind‑flow simulations, and machine‑learning analytics that are now part of SailGP’s competitive edge.

Industry Reactions

The sailing community has responded positively to the news. A spokesperson for the New Zealand Sailing Federation expressed delight at the continued success of a New Zealand sailor in the international arena. Meanwhile, Swedish sailing clubs have lauded the opportunity to see a world‑class sailor operate their flag in the world’s fastest racing circuit.

There is also an undercurrent of optimism among fans who see this move as a bridge between traditional, keel‑boat racing and the hyper‑modern foiling spectacle. As the new season approaches, the Swedish team’s preparation will be closely watched, and Outteridge’s transition to this new environment will be seen as a litmus test for SailGP’s global appeal.

A Legacy Continues

Nathan Outteridge’s new role underscores a career that has consistently pushed the boundaries of competitive sailing. Whether in the Olympic 49er, the America's Cup, or the burgeoning SailGP, his presence signals a commitment to both excellence and innovation.

With his transition to Team Sweden’s driver’s seat, Outteridge is poised to influence the sport not only through the wind in the sails but also through the data in the cockpit. His story is a reminder that the most compelling chapters in sailing are those that weave together talent, technology, and a relentless pursuit of the next frontier. As the 2025 SailGP season approaches, all eyes will be on Sweden’s deck, where Outteridge will command the foils and set a new benchmark for what it means to be a world‑class sailor in a new era of racing.