Known as the F1 of sailing, SailGP saw eight international teams from Australia, France, USA, Great Britain, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand, and Spain compete in front of more than 4,000 fans each day at Plymouth Hoe. Cornwall-based JHAV has recently worked with SailGP’s UK event director and global team to design, organise, and manage the event, which took place on 17 and 18 July.
John Hibdige, JHAV’s production manager, says:
“We’re well known for our AV services, though we also specialise in production and event management, tailoring our services to client’s needs. Our team provided a full event service for SailGP, and I’m really proud of the outcome.
“Plymouth Hoe is one of the world’s best natural amphitheatres for sailing, and it was great to be involved in one of the biggest outdoor events the city has held for a long time. We worked on the plan for six months, taking into account Covid restrictions to make sure there was enough space for social distancing so people would feel confident to attend.”
JHAV installed a public address system to relay the commentary and to make safety announcements. It was the largest PA system the team has deployed as one setup. They also managed the design and production of the ticketed fan zone for spectators – creating a viewing experience that included camera footage from the boats, sponsorship message and onsite hospitality.
Great Britain SailGP Team helmed by interim skipper Paul Goodison in action on race day 1 of Great Britain SailGP, Event 3, Season 2 in Plymouth, UK. 17 July 2021. Photo: Bob Martin for SailGP. Handout image supplied by SailGP
John continued:
“SailGP has strong sustainability credentials, which we supported throughout the project, including facilitating Aggreko installing a solar installation on Plymouth Hoe. This was used to power a large portion of the fan zone for the weekend.”
The team managed all onsite infrastructure including fencing, staging, furniture, marquees and more, as well as supplying AV staff to work with E360, the SailGP TV production company, on the delivery of the event TV content including live audio and camera footage.
For more information about JHAV, visit jhav.co.uk.
JHAV produced the fan zone for the Great Britain SailGP, located at Plymouth Hoe.