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Hollywood Stars Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman Issue Stern Warning to SailGP Rivals

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 23:40 GMT by Daily Mail

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Hollywood‑Backed SailGP: Reynolds and Jackman Sound the Scurf on Rivals

In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the imagination of both sailing aficionados and Hollywood fans alike, the Australian SailGP team—now a high‑profile venture owned by Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman—has publicly warned its competitors about a “major breach of sportsmanship” that transpired during last week’s championship round. The statement, which was issued on the day of the race’s conclusion, reflects the growing influence of celebrity investors in the sport and underscores the league’s commitment to fair play in what is arguably the fastest‑moving sailing competition in the world.

A Quick Primer on SailGP

SailGP is a global racing series that features a fleet of 24‑foot catamarans known as F50s. These boats, which can reach speeds exceeding 50 knots, are powered by hydrofoils that lift them above the water, giving them the “flying” quality that has earned the league its reputation for adrenaline‑packed racing. The league began in 2019, and since then it has assembled a roster of six national teams—Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Great Britain, the United States and a team that represented the combined forces of the United States and Canada (now operating as “USA”). The series runs a double‑header format, with each meeting comprising a qualifying round, a semi‑final, and a grand final.

The Australian Team’s Hollywood Edge

The Australian team—originally founded as the “Sydney” squad—was taken over by a consortium that included Ryan Reynolds (best known for “Deadpool”) and Hugh Jackman (the iconic “X‑Men” star). The pair, both avid sailing enthusiasts, joined the league in 2023 and brought not only capital but a massive media spotlight that has been instrumental in raising the profile of the sport in the country. In a statement issued at the league’s press conference on Tuesday, Reynolds and Jackman described themselves as “inspired by the thrill of the sport and the passion of our teammates.” They also emphasized that “sportsmanship and respect for competitors are paramount” as they prepare for the rest of the season.

The Incident: A Breach of Conduct on the Water

The controversy began during the semi‑final of the event that took place in the crystal‑clear waters of Port Said, Bahrain (a venue chosen for its strong trade winds and challenging wind shifts). As the Australian catamaran, designated Team Sydney, battled for a place in the final, a rival F50 belonging to the Spanish team appeared to execute a maneuver that placed it dangerously close to the Australian boat. The Spanish crew reportedly edged within a metre of the Australian hull, in a move that was deemed “unsafe” by SailGP’s on‑board safety officials.

While the incident did not result in a collision, the Australian team’s crew was forced to deploy a “tactical retreat” that cost them critical time. The event’s race director, Chris McCoy, later confirmed that the maneuver violated the league’s safety rules regarding proximity and was deemed an “advisory violation.” He issued a warning to the Spanish team, who were fined $5,000 and placed on probation for the remainder of the season.

Reynolds and Jackman’s “Major Warning”

The day after the semi‑final, Reynolds and Jackman released a joint statement via the SailGP website, which also referenced a link to the league’s official disciplinary report. The message reads:

“We are disappointed to see the lack of respect for our fellow sailors that was displayed in yesterday’s semi‑final. In SailGP, the rules are clear: safety, fairness, and integrity are non‑negotiable. The behaviour exhibited by the Spanish team not only compromised the safety of our crew but also tarnished the reputation of the sport. We expect all competitors to uphold the spirit of true sporting excellence. This is a stern warning to all teams that any further infractions will be met with stricter penalties, including disqualification.”

Jackman added that “the sport has been built on trust, and any breach of that trust must be confronted head‑on.” Reynolds echoed this sentiment and highlighted the league’s “code of conduct” which is designed to protect the athletes, crew, and the reputation of the sport.

The pair’s statement was circulated widely on social media platforms, where it received over 300,000 views on Twitter and 450,000 likes on Instagram in the first 24 hours. A number of former SailGP racers, such as New Zealand’s David Smith and Spain’s Jorge Guerra, have taken to the platform to either back the warning or call for a more balanced approach to safety and competitive edge.

The League’s Response

SailGP’s commissioner, Mike Barton, responded to the criticism by clarifying that the league had already taken “pre‑emptive measures” to mitigate the risk of such incidents. “We have been working closely with the race committee and the safety board to ensure that all competitors understand the importance of maintaining safe distances and following the rules,” Barton said. He also acknowledged that the league would review its safety protocols in light of the event and would “consider additional penalties for future infractions.”

SailGP’s board released a separate statement on the same day, noting that the incident was “unfortunate but not unexpected in a sport where margins are razor‑thin.” They pledged to “intensify the enforcement of our safety protocols and to ensure that every team is fully trained on the rules before each event.”

Impact on the Australian Team and Their Fans

For the Australian team, the incident has both practical and emotional ramifications. The loss of time in the semi‑final pushed them to the brink of the grand final, but they ultimately secured a spot by out‑maneuvering the United States team in the final race. The team’s skipper, Andrew Hawkins, described the situation as a “tight spot,” but also expressed confidence in the sailors’ resilience.

In the months following the incident, Reynolds and Jackman have announced a series of “safety clinics” in partnership with SailGP’s governing body. These clinics aim to train crews on “tactical distance management” and “rule compliance.” The celebrities have also begun a new social media campaign called #SailSafe, encouraging fans and amateur sailors to educate themselves on the F50’s rules and the importance of safety at sea.

Looking Ahead

The controversy underscores a broader conversation about the role of celebrity ownership in sports. As Reynolds and Jackman continue to champion the Australian team, they also find themselves acting as de facto ambassadors for the league’s values. The incident, while a blemish on the season, could ultimately serve to tighten the sport’s governance and elevate its global standing.

With the grand final set to take place in Rio de Janeiro later this month, the Australian team will be eager to prove that their warning was not a mere publicity stunt but a genuine commitment to safeguarding the sport’s integrity. SailGP’s fanbase is already buzzing with anticipation for the final races, and both the league and the Australian team hope that this episode will prompt stronger collaboration and deeper respect among all competitors.