How Teams Communicate At 100 km/h In SailGP
Communication is imperative in SailGP - but what is required for good communication?
Published 04/25/2026
SailGP is the fastest form of racing on water, with F50 catamarans reaching speeds of 60mph (100km/hr). At those speeds, decisions happen in seconds - and clear communication is what turns those decisions into results.
For new fans, it can be hard to imagine how teams stay coordinated in such an intense environment. The answer lies in defined roles, simple language, and a system built for clarity under pressure.
Why Communication Matters At High Speed
At 100km/hr, there is no margin for hesitation.
Every maneuver - tacks, gybes, mark roundings - requires precise timing and full team coordination. A delayed call or misunderstanding can cost valuable distance or even force the boat off its foils and into a costly reset.
U.S. SailGP Team Head Coach Marcus Lynch sat with Race Engineer Ivan Bulaja and Team Principal Mike Buckley in the coach's booth
Communication is what connects strategy to execution. It ensures every athlete on board is aligned, reacting together, and maximizing performance in real time.
Teams communicate via headsets on the boat which also enable them to relay messages to the coaching booth for further insight on other teams’ tactics, windshifts and strategy.
Defined Roles: Who Says What
Each athlete on an F50 has a specific role, and communication follows that structure.
The driver is the de facto captain and, as such, responsible for steering and making key tactical decisions, such as when to turn or how to position against other teams. They work in tandem with the strategist, whose role is to constantly be on the look-out around the course and feed vital information about position, conditions and opponents to the driver to inform decisions.
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The flight controller manages the height and stability of the boat as it flies above the water. Wing trimmers and grinders control power and energy, adjusting systems that directly affect speed and handling.
Because roles are clearly defined, communication stays efficient. Each athlete knows what information they need, when they need it, and who is responsible for delivering it.
Callouts: Keeping It Simple And Precise
In SailGP, communication is short, direct, and consistent.
Athletes use standardized callouts - brief, pre-agreed phrases that signal actions or changes. These might include countdowns to maneuvers, alerts about wind pressure, or instructions to adjust positioning.
For example, a maneuver like a gybe will be preceded by a clear, timed sequence of calls so every athlete can prepare and execute together. This rhythm is practiced repeatedly so it becomes second nature.
Timing: Saying It At The Right Moment
What is said is important - but when and how it’s said matters just as much. Not least because teams’ on-board comms are broadcast to millions around the world each race!
Calls need to come early enough for the team to react, but not so early that conditions change before execution. This balance is critical in a sport where wind shifts and boat speed can alter the situation in seconds.
Good communication is proactive, not reactive. The best teams anticipate what’s coming and communicate ahead of time, allowing for smooth, coordinated actions.
Managing Noise And Pressure
The SailGP environment is loud and intense.
Wind, water, and boat noise make verbal communication more challenging, while the speed of racing increases mental pressure. Teams rely on a combination of clear voices, repetition, and trust to cut through the noise.
Because callouts are standardized and roles are defined, athletes don’t need to process unnecessary information. Teams are expected to communicate in English, too, eliminating any crossed wires.
This consistency is what allows teams to stay composed, even in the most frenetic situations.
Communication Between Maneuvers
Not every moment is a high-intensity maneuver - but communication never stops.
Between turns and key actions, athletes are constantly sharing updates: wind pressure, positioning relative to other teams, and changes in conditions. During broadcasts, you’ll hear the athletes discussing puffs or wind or wind shifts, always looking to determine the best course.
These small pieces of information build a bigger picture, helping the team make better decisions as the race unfolds.
Trust and Repetition: The Foundation
Clear communication at 100km/hr doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s built through repetition in training, where teams refine their language, timing, and coordination. Over time, this creates trust - each athlete knows that when a call is made, it will be accurate and timely.
That trust allows for faster decisions and cleaner execution on race day.
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