SailGP Extends Rockwool Partnership to 2032
Rockwool Extends SailGP Partnership to 2032, Solidifying Commitment to High-Performance Sailing
COPENHAGEN, Denmark – SailGP, the global racing league featuring hydrofoiling catamarans, has secured a long-term extension of its title sponsorship with Rockwool, the world’s leading manufacturer of mineral wool insulation products. The renewed agreement, announced today, will see Rockwool continue as the title partner of the Denmark SailGP Team and expand its presence to include the Germany Sail Grand Prix, beginning in 2026, through 2032.
A Decade of Commitment: Rockwool’s Growing Investment in SailGP
The extension builds upon a relationship that began in 2021, with Rockwool initially sponsoring five Sail Grand Prix events across Denmark, Italy, Canada, and France, alongside its commitment to the Danish team. This latest deal signifies a substantial increase in Rockwool’s investment, demonstrating confidence in SailGP’s rapidly growing global appeal and its ability to deliver significant brand exposure. Rockwool first became title sponsor of the Denmark team in late 2019, and this extension ensures continued support for the national outfit.
“Rockwool’s belief in our vision has helped shape SailGP’s evolution into a truly global, high-performance championship,” said Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s Managing Director. “Their renewed commitment through 2032 speaks to the strength of what we’ve created together – a world-class team, an ambitious activation program and a partnership that drives meaningful value on and off the water.”
Germany Joins the Roster: Expanding SailGP’s European Footprint
The addition of Germany to Rockwool’s sponsorship portfolio is a strategic move, tapping into a key European market. The Germany Sail Grand Prix, scheduled for August 22-23, 2026, will provide Rockwool with a prominent platform to showcase its products and engage with a diverse audience. This expansion reflects SailGP’s ongoing efforts to broaden its reach and attract new fans to the sport of sailing.
SailGP’s selection of Germany as a host city is particularly noteworthy given the country’s strong maritime history and growing interest in sustainable technologies – aligning well with Rockwool’s focus on energy-efficient building solutions. The event is expected to generate significant economic impact for the host city, attracting both domestic and international visitors. According to Statista, major sporting events in Germany contribute billions of euros to the national economy annually.
Commercial Momentum: SailGP Attracts Chinese Investment
The Rockwool extension comes on the heels of another significant commercial win for SailGP: a partnership with Hongqi, a Chinese luxury vehicle brand, as a partner for the 2025 Grand Final in Abu Dhabi. This marks SailGP’s first major commercial partnership originating from China, opening up a potentially lucrative new market for the league. The growing interest from Asian brands underscores SailGP’s increasing global profile and its appeal to a wider range of sponsors.
SailGP’s commercial success is further bolstered by its existing partnership with Rolex, the series’ overall title sponsor through a decade-long deal announced last November. These high-profile sponsorships demonstrate the league’s ability to attract premium brands and position itself as a leading force in the world of sports and entertainment.
Performance and Innovation: The Competitive Edge in SailGP
Beyond the commercial benefits, the partnership with Rockwool also supports the ongoing development of the Denmark SailGP Team. The team, consistently ranked among the top competitors in the league, benefits from Rockwool’s expertise in materials science and engineering, which contributes to the optimization of the team’s boat and equipment.
SailGP’s focus on innovation and sustainability is a key differentiator in the world of sailing. The league’s use of hydrofoiling catamarans, which lift the boats entirely out of the water, reduces drag and increases speed, creating a thrilling spectacle for fans. According to SailGP’s 2023 Sustainability Report, the league reduced its carbon footprint by 20% compared to 2022, demonstrating its commitment to environmental responsibility. The average speed of a SailGP F50 catamaran consistently exceeds 60 knots (69 mph), making it one of the fastest forms of racing on water.
Mirella Vitale, Senior Vice President for Marketing, Communications, and Public Affairs at Rockwool, emphasized the value of the partnership: “Together with SailGP, we’ve created a global platform that delivers real commercial impact in our key markets – driving awareness of our business, enabling thousands of Rockwool guests to experience racing first-hand, and engaging employees across 38 countries.”
The 2026 SailGP campaign will kick off in mid-January in Perth, Australia, promising another season of intense competition and thrilling racing action. With continued support from partners like Rockwool, SailGP is poised to further solidify its position as a global leader in sustainable, high-performance sailing.