ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team has strengthened its roster ahead of SailGP’s May double-header, signing Black Foils SailGP Team grinder Marcus Hansen on a two-event loan.
A two-time America’s Cup winner, Hansen joins the Danish team for events in Bermuda (9-10 May) and New York (30-31 May), with the New Zealand crew currently sidelined following boat damage sustained during a collision at the Auckland Sail Grand Prix.
Hansen will step in for ROCKWOOL Racing athlete Luke Payne, who is unavailable for both events this month.
Hansen said: “I’m delighted to get the chance to jump onboard ROCKWOOL Racing for the next two events. It has been frustrating not being able to compete in recent weeks, so this is a fantastic opportunity to get back on the water with a great team and stay sharp.”
ROCKWOOL Racing heads to Bermuda sitting seventh in the Rolex SailGP Championship standings, and carrying strong momentum following a season-best performance at last event in Rio.
Nicolai Sehested, Driver of the Danish-flagged boat, said: “Marcus is one of the most experienced grinders in SailGP and understands exactly what it takes to perform and win at this level.
“Bringing an athlete of his calibre into our squad on a short-term basis is a no-brainer and gives us immediate strength for two important events.”
Black Foils SailGP Team confirmed last week it would miss racing in both Bermuda and New York as repairs continue on its F50.
The team’s shore crew is closely involved in the rebuild effort, taking place at SailGP Technologies in Southampton, and the earliest project return date is in Halifax in June.
Sehested added: “We really feel for the whole team at Black Foils having to sit out of these events, and look forward to seeing them back on the start line as soon as possible.”
ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team extends its thanks to the Black Foils SailGP Team for their collaboration and support in facilitating the loan arrangement.
Tickets to the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix are sold out, but you can find out how to follow the action from wherever you are in the world HERE.
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