Hollywood stars and sports franchise co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have ushered in the new season of the high-speed SailGP league with a characteristically humorous and slightly risqué promotional video. The duo, who co-own the Australian SailGP team Bonds Flying Roos, released the clip to mark the start of the competition's sixth season, which gets underway in Perth, Australia, later this month.
A Pep Talk Takes an Unexpected Turn
In the video, the actors, famously known for their Marvel roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, are seen preparing to give a motivational talk to their sailing team. Vancouver-born Reynolds expresses nervousness, suggesting he will imagine the crew in their underwear to calm his nerves. Jackman, however, advises his friend to “relax, don’t be yourself” as they enter the locker room.
The scene takes a cheeky turn as they discover the entire team, led by driver Tom Slingsby, is already in their underwear—a nod to the team's title sponsorship with the Australian underwear brand Bonds. The video concludes with Reynolds and Jackman themselves beginning to drop their trousers before the screen cuts to black, leaving the outcome to the viewer's imagination.
The "F1 of Sailing" Sets Sail for 2026
The 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship season is set to commence in Perth, Australia, from January 17 to 26. The global league, often called the Formula One of sailing, will feature 13 national teams racing identical, high-tech F50 foiling catamarans. These 15-metre vessels are capable of incredible speeds, making for a dramatic spectacle on the water.
SailGP was founded in 2019 by American tech billionaire Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, and world champion yachtsman Russell Coutts of New Zealand. It has quickly grown into a premier international sailing competition, with events held in iconic waterfront locations around the world.
Expanding a Sports Empire with Humour
Reynolds and Jackman announced their purchase of the Australian SailGP team in June 2025, injecting their signature blend of enthusiasm and wit into the sailing world. In a joint statement at the time, they said, “We’re incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure,” with Jackman noted for his pride in his home country and love of sailing. They jokingly referred to Reynolds as Jackman's “overly clingy emotional support human” and ended with, “No comment on whether we’re writing this in our Bonds. No further questions.”
For Ryan Reynolds, the Bonds Flying Roos adds to a growing and diverse sports investment portfolio. The actor also holds ownership stakes in the Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC, Mexican soccer team Club Necaxa, Colombian club La Equidad, and the Alpine Formula One racing team.
The launch video successfully blends the high-adrenaline world of professional sailing with the comedic star power of its owners, ensuring the sixth season of SailGP begins with significant buzz and a memorable laugh.
