Outboards
POWERING GB1 & EMIRATES GBR
Suzuki GB is pleased to confirm it will continue to supply its renowned outboard motors to the British Challenger for the 38th America’s Cup, GB1, and the British SailGP team, Emirates GBR, for use on each team’s chase boats.
Since 2022, Suzuki GB has been supporting GB1 in their pursuit of victory in some of sailing's most competitive arenas. From the 37th America's Cup to annual seasons of SailGP, this standard of international competition tests teams and equipment to their limit. It is in recognising this that GB1 and Emirates GBR first partnered with Suzuki GB to power their chase boats - crucial vessels which support the team with equipment, transfers, and, most critically, a safety vehicle that provides oversight to all athletes and race crews.
In the latest renewal of their ongoing partnership, Suzuki GB will supply x14 outboards for use by GB1 and Emirates GBR. The outboards chosen are Suzuki’s award-winning DF350A models, which each feature a specially engineered marine V6 4.4-litre engine, counter-rotating dual propellers and the Suzuki Lean Burn fuel control system for greater fuel efficiency. These will be installed across GB1’s and Emirates GBR’s fleet of chase boats.
AN ENDURING PARTNERSHIP
The critical impact of Suzuki’s outboards has long been noticed by the team’s operators.
Matt Haslam, Shore Team Manager at Emirates GBR SailGP Team, said, “What I’ve been most impressed by with the Suzuki engines has been the grip and the torque we get from the counter-rotating props. A lot of our work with the chase boat for the F50s is towing (side towing) and manoeuvring with a heavy 50-foot catamaran alongside. The torque we get from the counter-rotating props has been invaluable for that process."
Besides the outboards, Suzuki GB has supported GB1 with technical support and parts during their campaigns. Regardless of location, Suzuki GB has responded with support to address any needs the team may have. This has ensured their chase boats are always ready to operate at their best, and any challenges have been resolved quickly and effectively.
Sir Ben Ansile, Founder of GB1, said, “The teams we have operating these boats have really, really appreciated the partnership with Suzuki. Again, the level of service, the performance of the engines – it’s been second to none.”
Mark Beeley, Head of ATV & Marine at Suzuki GB, said, “To partner with GB1 and Emirates GBR has been a real honour. Both the teams and Suzuki strive to be the best, and hearing the feedback from the race crews as they push these engines has been invaluable. Knowing our outboards are backing up the teams wanting to reach the top of competitive sailing gives us great pride.”
