SailGP Media Release:
ROCKWOOL Racing SailGP Team has boosted its ranks ahead of the upcoming Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, by securing the loan signing of Olympic champion Will Ryan from Australia SailGP Team.
The Aussie sailor, who took gold at Tokyo 2020 and silver at Rio 2016, will step into the ROCKWOOL team to replace wing trimmer Tom Johnson, who sits out the next two events on paternity leave.
And Ryan – who is also a five-time World Champion in the 470 class, and has previously raced with Switzerland SailGP Team, before joining the Flying Roos earlier this season – explains that he’s delighted to jump onboard for the first double header in SailGP history.
“I’m really happy to join up with the ROCKWOOL team for what should be two epic events in California this week,” said Ryan. “I’ve known some of the guys from the Danish team for a long time, and they are a real contender in SailGP. I’m looking forward to getting onboard and seeing if I can help them deliver some solid results next couple of events.” He adds: “This also gives me an opportunity to get crucial time racing on board the F50 so I can continue to refine and develop my own skillset as an athlete, which will benefit my role with the Aussies.”
The Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix will be the first event that the Danish team’s wing trimmer Tom Johnson has missed since the team formed in 2019. “TJ is a major part of the team, and the culture we have built – he’s been ever present from the start, so, honestly, it will be a little strange for us going racing without him this weekend,” admits ROCKWOOL Racing driver Nicolai Sehested.
“But Will is a top sailor, and his record speaks for itself – he has a lot of championships and medals – but more importantly, a good feel for the boat. We are in good hands.”
Sehested adds: “At the end of the day, the best teams adapt, and overcome changes, and we have to prove that we can do the same by going out there racing at full speed this weekend.”
To watch the Rolex Los Angeles Sail Grand Prix, head to sailgp.com/watch for more info on where and when to catch the action in your market.
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