Phil Robertson drives the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team, bringing match racing world championship pedigree to the fleet racing format. Robertson, a New Zealander by birth, has competed in match racing at the highest level for over a decade, developing close-quarters tactical skills that translate effectively to the intense mark-rounding situations that define SailGP racing.
The Red Bull sponsorship connects the Italian team to one of the most aggressive sports marketing operations in the world. Red Bull’s involvement in sailing extends beyond SailGP, with previous sponsorship of Alinghi in the America’s Cup and various extreme sailing events. The brand’s identity, built around speed, danger, and spectacle, aligns naturally with F50 racing at 50 knots.
Italy’s sailing culture is among the richest in the Mediterranean, spanning America’s Cup campaigns (Luna Rossa), offshore racing (the Giraglia, Middle Sea Race), and a tradition of yacht design and construction that has produced some of the most beautiful boats in history. The SailGP team provides a competitive platform that complements Italy’s America’s Cup ambitions through Luna Rossa.
Robertson’s challenge is converting match racing instincts into fleet racing success. Match racing is about beating one opponent; fleet racing is about beating twelve. The tactical calculus is different, though the boat handling skills, particularly in the high-speed manoeuvres of tacking and gybing on foils, are identical. Robertson’s experience and competitive drive make the Italian team a threat at any event.