Red Bull Italy SailGP Team Announce Star-studded Ownership Group

The Red Bull Italy SailGP Team has announced a change in leadership, following its acquisition by a consortium comprised of investors and prominent figures from the sports industry, including actress Anne Hathaway.

The new ownership is spearheaded by Assia Grazioli Venier, founding partner of Muse Capital, alongside luxury brand entrepreneur Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo.

Notably, the team will be guided by renowned sailor and SailGP icon Jimmy Spithill, who takes on the role of CEO and co-owner.

Commenting on the change of leadership, Grazioli-Venier, said: “Italy has an extraordinary sailing legacy, and our mission is to be a catalyst for its next phase.”

“Muse Sport is honoured to lead this pivotal moment for our sport,” Grazioli-Venier said. 

While emphasising the commercial potential SailGP holds for further growth, Grazioli-Venier underscored the ownership group’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.

CEO and co-founder of SailGP, Russell Coutts, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Assia, Gian Luca, Jimmy and the wider Muse Sport consortium to SailGP’s expanding group of investors and team owners,” 

Chairman of the Board,  Gian Luca Passi de Preposulo, articulated a broader vision for the SailGP, describing it as more than just a sports competition; it is a global platform for innovation and cultural impact.

He envisions the team being at the forefront of responsible and technology-driven sports business.

On another note, reflecting on the significance of this new chapter, Jimmy Spithill, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to put together such a talented World Class Team—both on and off the water.”

Explaining this transition as a vital step forward for Italian sailing and is enthusiastic about the journey ahead.

This new ownership group signals a transformative moment for the SailGP championship, as it becomes one of the first global racing teams to operate under female-led ownership.

The initiative reflects an increasingly commercial focus on the mixed-gender championship, tapping into the growing engagement and marketability of such events.

The investors in this new ownership are a diverse blend of business leaders, including representatives from MFO Certuity and Yeh Capital, as well as notable names like Alexander Gilkes and actress Miriam Leone. Hathaway, alongside Adam Shulman, Julie Eddleman, Heather Karatz, Pete Delgrosso, and Dr. Jennifer Ashton, rounds out the group, further elevating the profile of the team.

With Red Bull serving as the Title Partner, the newly formed ownership aims not only to enhance the team’s visibility within the championship, but also to innovate through branding and media presence.

The acquisition follows a period of rapid expansion for SailGP, which has seen record sales in team ownership.

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