The global spectacle of SailGP, where foiling catamarans carve across the water at breathtaking speed, has drawn an unexpected constellation of patrons. This is not simply a sporting event; it is an intersection of cutting-edge technology and unparalleled athletic prowess, attracting heavy-hitting investors like Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappé and American actress Anne Hathaway. Yet, for many onlookers, the true showmanship lies not on the deck of the high-performance F50 vessels, but in the enduring, affectionate rivalry between two long-time friends, Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.
The Australian team, the BONDS Flying Roos, is headed toward the crucial Abu Dhabi Grand Final, aiming for a historic fourth consecutive championship title.
To herald this momentous pursuit, Reynolds and Jackman delivered a promotional clip that instantly became a masterclass in performative antagonism. The duo, famous for their relentless, good-natured social media feud, wasted no time, diving headfirst into their established pattern of mutual ridicule. The interaction begins immediately, with Reynolds, ever the excitable newcomer, provoking Jackman, a proud Sydney native, by playfully accusing him of "pulling the Aussie card" to gain undue sailing advantage.
This is the foundation of their public dynamic: a deep, quiet respect layered beneath noisy, immediate disagreement.
The Dynamics of Investment and Rivalry
Ryan Reynolds is certainly no stranger to sports ownership. His co-acquisition of Wrexham AFC alongside Rob McElhenney transformed a struggling Welsh football club into a globally recognized narrative, proving that passion and publicity could revive almost anything.
While he has often confessed his initial ignorance regarding the intricacies of football, that venture clearly instilled a respect for the commitment inherent in professional sport. SailGP, co-established in 2019 by three-time Olympic gold medallist Russell Coutts and American billionaire Larry Ellison, offers a completely different challenge: maritime strategy demanding precise, instantaneous decisions.
In the clip, it becomes clear that while Reynolds may understand the drama of ownership, his grasp of sailing specifics remains impressively nascent.
Jackman’s visible irritation escalates as the Canadian actor's buoyant enthusiasm collides with an obvious lack of subject-matter expertise. This carefully choreographed clash reached its apex upon the screen appearance of Tom Slingsby, the Roos’ celebrated sailor and CEO. Reynolds seemed genuinely unsure of the man’s identity—a comedic pause that brilliantly underscores the outsider status he willingly embraces.
Jackman decisively stepped in, removing his exuberant counterpart from the frame and instructing him to utilize a "quiet chair." Reynolds, momentarily stunned, managed a final, delightfully literal objection: “This isn't a chair, this is a room.” The segment concluded with a sharp, professional caption that effectively dismissed the Hollywood interlopers: “They're out of their league.
And into ours.”
Championship Ambition
The entertainment value provided by the actors is undeniable, but the underlying stakes for the Flying Roos are tremendously high. The team has secured two significant new sponsorship deals, partnering with the AI work platform Monday.com and the online trading site Blueberry, signaling serious preparation for the final race.
The event in Abu Dhabi is the winner-takes-all conclusion of the championship, culminating in a competitive sprint for the substantial $2 million prize purse.
The playful sparring between Reynolds and Jackman, though captivating, serves merely as the introduction to the true story—the intense dedication of the athletes themselves.
It is a lighthearted nod to the complexities of celebrity involvement, where the ability to generate attention is valuable, but cannot replace skill. Reynolds may be continually learning the finer points of competitive sport, transitioning from the Welsh pitch to the high seas, yet his commitment to the team’s success remains absolute.
The final, powerful image is not the celebrity spat, but the Flying Roos preparing to fight for victory, their ambition sailing far ahead of any Hollywood headline.
The BONDS Flying Roos take part in the SailGP international sailing competition, which has drawn several celebrity investors , including Real Madrid...Looking to read more like this: Check here
