Ahead of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth this weekend (25–26 July), Ancasta Group has announced that SailGP has partnered with its Protector Boats brand, naming the renowned New Zealand-built RIBs as the global racing championship’s Official Chase Boat Supplier.

Supplied via Ancasta Group company, PB Europe, the partnership will see Protector’s Chase 330 centre console RIBs supporting SailGP’s international race teams, delivering the performance, reliability and versatility required to operate alongside the championship’s cutting-edge F50 catamarans.

Designed to perform in some of the world’s most demanding marine environments, Protector boats are trusted by coastguards, marine police units, pilot services, offshore operators and professional race teams worldwide. Their proven capability makes them ideally suited to support SailGP’s fast-paced racing operations both on and off the racecourse.

Julien DiBiase, Chief Championship Officer at SailGP, said: “We are delighted to welcome Protector Boats to SailGP as our Official Chase Boat Supplier. Proven in some of the most demanding marine environments, these boats set the benchmark for serious utility craft.

“The Protector Chase 330 gives our crews the speed and stability they need to do their job safely, and the build quality means we’re not spending time troubleshooting when we should be supporting the athletes. That’s what we’re looking for in a partner.”

The 10.5-metre Protector Chase 330 has been specifically developed for professional marine operations, combining exceptional seakeeping with practical functionality. A full-size Bimini top and protective windscreen provide shelter from the elements, while generous fore and aft deck spaces allow for efficient crew movement and equipment storage.

Powered by twin outboards and featuring a robust transom design and large fuel capacity, the Chase 330 is capable of speeds exceeding 50 knots, enabling it to keep pace with SailGP’s F50 fleet while supporting long operational days on the water.

Andy Andrews, Sales Manager at PB Europe, said: “Protector Boats has a long-standing relationship with high-performance racing support, and the Chase 330 has been designed with the needs of professional teams firmly in mind.

“Its combination of speed, stability and operational versatility makes it ideally suited to SailGP’s demanding race environment. Whether supporting teams on the water, transporting equipment or hosting media personnel, the Chase 330 delivers the reliability and performance required at the highest level of the sport.”

A key advantage of the Chase 330 is its transportability. The vessel fits within a standard 40-foot shipping container, allowing efficient deployment between SailGP’s international venues and supporting the championship’s global racing calendar which spans five continents.

The partnership further strengthens SailGP’s operational capabilities as the championship continues its rapid global growth, bringing world-class racing to fans across multiple continents.

The Portsmouth event marks the first in the European calendar and the eighth stop of the Rolex SailGP 2026 Season. Thirteen national teams will compete on the identical, hydrofoiling F50 catamarans, including the home Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team, led by Olympic gold medallists Dylan Fletcher (driver) and Hannah Mills (strategist).

Tickets are on sale now via SailGP.com/Portsmouth,  with a range of options available including:

VELA Beach Club – premium waterfront hospitality with live music, DJ sets and the best in food and drink.

Premium Waterfront Grandstand – for the best views of the racecourse.

 

Waterfront Grandstand – high-energy, full racing action, suitable for all ages.

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