Following Great Britain SailGP Team's winning start to Season 2 in Bermuda, the team is making planned changes for the first-ever Italian Sail Grand Prix in Taranto (05-06 June), and its home UK event in Plymouth (17-18 July).
Due to long-standing personal commitments, the team's Skipper Ben Ainslie will not compete in the next two events with the helm role filled instead by decorated foiling sailor Paul Goodison, whilst Ben will continue to lead the team in his role as CEO and return as helm for the Denmark Sail Grand Prix.
Goodison joins fresh from the 36th America's Cup in Auckland where he was a member of the US challenger American Magic aboard their AC75 Patriot having previously been with the Swedish entry (Artemis Racing) for the 35th America's Cup in Bermuda performing the role of mainsail trimmer for both teams.
Hailing from Rotherham, UK, Goodison brings a wealth of Olympic and foiling experience to the table having competed for Team GB at the 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympic Games. Goodison won Gold at the Beijing Games and was crowned Laser World Champion in 2009. Following his Olympic retirement, Goodison headed into the world of foiling, developing his skill set in the Moth, which culminated in becoming a three-time Moth World Champion (2016, 2017 & 2018).
SailGP resumes in Taranto for the Italy Sail Grand Prix on 5 June 2021. The Great Britain SailGP Team's home Grand Prix takes place in Plymouth on 17 and 18 July 2021.
