Explora Journeys Takes Title Sponsorship of Switzerland SailGP Team
As cruise brands chase premium audiences, SailGP’s waterfront spectacle gives Explora Journeys visibility in global cities and a fresh path beyond traditional cruise advertising.
Explora Journeys has signed a title partnership with the Switzerland SailGP Team, a deal unveiled at a press conference in Miami Beach that will see the squad compete as the Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team on SailGP’s global circuit.
Anna Nash, president of Explora Journeys, said the agreement is intended to highlight the brand’s European roots while expanding its reach beyond traditional cruise marketing channels through exposure tied to the Rolex SailGP Championship.
What the title partnership includes
Explora Journeys said its branding will be displayed prominently on the Swiss team’s F50 foiling catamaran, SailGP’s standardized high-performance race boat. The companies also plan integrated marketing campaigns linked to SailGP’s schedule, with Nash pointing to waterfront host cities on the circuit including New York, Halifax, Southampton and Rio de Janeiro.
Alongside the marketing push, the partners said they plan to build a premium hospitality program around race weekends, aimed at providing enhanced access and curated experiences. The announcement did not include details on how those hospitality offerings will be packaged or sold.
In a statement about the collaboration, the company described the pairing as bringing together “high-speed racing,” Swiss precision and a respect for the ocean.
Debut date set for Bermuda in May 2026
The Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team is scheduled to make its official on-the-water debut at the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix in May 2026, marking the first race appearance under the new title partnership name.
How the SailGP deal fits Explora Journeys’ expansion plans
The sponsorship announcement comes as Explora Journeys continues to build out its ocean-going fleet and broaden its itinerary map. The brand, which launched under the MSC Group’s Cruise Division in 2023 with Explora I, currently has two ships in service and is preparing to add Explora III in early August 2024.
Nash said Explora III will feature an optimized design, including a redesigned wellness center and additional dining venues. The company has also outlined plans to develop cruise offerings in new regions, including Alaska, South America and Northern Africa.
- Early August 2024: Explora Journeys is preparing to welcome Explora III, which Nash said will include a redesigned wellness center and additional dining venues.
- 2027: The company plans to add two additional vessels to its fleet.
- 2028: A sixth ship is expected to launch.
With SailGP branding expected to begin appearing on the racecourse in 2026 and new ships slated to follow, the company is positioning the partnership as a visibility platform that runs alongside its fleet and destination growth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will the Swiss team be called under the new agreement?
The team will compete as the Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team as part of the title partnership.
When is the first scheduled appearance for the Explora Journeys Swiss SailGP Team?
The official debut is planned for the Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix in May 2026.
What are the main elements included in the partnership?
The deal includes prominent Explora Journeys branding on the Switzerland SailGP Team’s F50 catamaran, integrated marketing campaigns tied to SailGP’s schedule, and a premium hospitality program planned around race weekends. The partners did not provide details on how the hospitality program will be packaged or sold.
What features will Explora III introduce?
Nash said Explora III will feature an optimized design, including a redesigned wellness center and additional dining venues.
Which locations will SailGP events visit under this partnership?
Nash highlighted ports on the circuit including New York, Halifax, Southampton and Rio de Janeiro.
