SailGP Technologies is relocating its operations from New Zealand to Southampton in the UK, as it focuses its attention on a growing number of SailGP events taking place in the northern hemisphere. American aerospace company Rocket Lab USA has acquired SailGP Technologies’ manufacturing complex in Warkworth, New Zealand.

In a statement, global racing league SailGP says the acquisition of the Warkworth site will ‘bolster the company’s New Zealand business’. Rocket Lab will retain over 90 per cent of SailGP Technologies New Zealand-based staff.

Rocket Lab previously partnered with SailGP Technologies for parts on the Electron rocket. From this week, Rocket Lab – who pioneered the use of carbon composites in space by developing the world’s first carbon composite orbital rocket – will lease SailGP Technologies’ 70,000-square-foot development and manufacturing complex in Warkworth.

More than 50 SailGP Technologies New Zealand-based team members will remain at the facility and join the Rocket Lab team.

Spain SailGP Team and Denmark SailGP Team in action on Race Day 1 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch - photo © Felix Diemer SailGP

The Spain and Denmark SailGP teams in action in Christchurch. Photo courtesy of Felix Diemer SailGP

Founded in 2001 as Core Builders Composites (CBC), the Warkworth facility has in recent years become heavily focussed on building and maintaining the cutting-edge F50 catamarans used in SailGP’s global racing league – one of the world’s fastest-growing sport leagues – which accounts for around 80 per cent of its work.

With 85 per cent of SailGP events being staged in the northern hemisphere – growing from five to thirteen events since its inaugural season, the league will relocate its manufacturing facility to Southampton near SailGP’s global headquarters in London, England.

SailGP Technologies will transition its operations to Southampton in November this year, with the aim of being fully operational by April 2024.

“As we continue a steep growth trajectory in markets around the world, we are looking forward to moving our technology and innovation arm closer to our global headquarters, events, teams, and world-class racing, most of which are located in the northern hemisphere,” says SailGP CEO Sir Russell Coutts.

“The knowledge and commitment of our Warkworth team has been vital to the success of SailGP. With experience honed across more than two decades, they’re among the best in the business, and we’re delighted that their skills, expertise and experience can remain in New Zealand for many years to come. We know the team at Rocket Lab will benefit from their skills, and the staff are all really excited to be joining Rocket Lab for what promises to be an incredible future ahead.”

Rocket Lab CEO and Founder Peter Beck adds: “We’ve had the privilege of working with the SailGP Technologies team for a number of years now, supporting advanced carbon composite manufacturing for Electron.

The SailGP F50 catamaran fleet in action on Race Day 2 of the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix in Christchurch © Bob Martin SailGP

The SailGP F50 catamaran fleet in action. Photo courtesy of Bob Martin/SailGP

“They’re an absolutely world-class team, and we’re excited to welcome them into the Rocket Lab fold. The transition from sea to skies ensures we keep advanced composites talent and expertise in New Zealand, supporting the ongoing growth of the nation’s thriving aerospace industry. We wish SailGP all the very best as they embark on an exciting new chapter in the UK and will be cheering the sport on as it continues to grow globally.”

The news follows the implementation of a new overall structure for the league, plus a new regional structure for SailGP in Asia Pacific to enhance the league’s commercial programme in New Zealand, Australia and other Asian markets.

This includes the recent appointment of Chae Blewitt as head of commercial for APAC. Meanwhile, Karl Budge has stepped down as APAC commercial director to pursue other opportunities.

SailGP says it will continue to maintain a strong presence in New Zealand, including the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix, which alternates between Auckland and Christchurch, as well as the New Zealand SailGP Team, led by co-CEOs Peter Burling and Blair Tuke.

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