RACING WITH PURPOSE: ENHANCING OCEAN KNOWLEDGE AND BIODIVERSITY MONITORING
The Germany SailGP Team presented by Deutsche Bank joined the league with determination in Season 4, adapting quickly and embracing the steep learning curve of high-speed racing.
Led by two-time Olympic medalist Erik Kosegarten-Heil, the team is packed with high-profile talent. Owners Thomas Riedel and four-time Formula 1 Champion Sebastian Vettel have supported the team since day one, with Deutsche Bank joining as a partner in Season 4, and stepping up as co-title partner in the 2025 Season.
Alongside striving for success on the water, the team is committed to enhancing ocean knowledge and biodiversity monitoring through sport, together with our partners and fans.
WE ARE GOING BEYOND SAILING
Since 2024, Team Germany and Deutsche Bank have collected water samples at key locations around the world, including SailGP racecourses, using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology. eDNA detects the presence of local wildlife (marine mammals and vertebrates) and provides a snapshot into what has been through the water within the past 24 hours.
Local scientists are engaged to support the collection of water samples and are provided with the research findings to enhance understanding of the local ecosystem. This research has found invasive and endangered/vulnerable species within the monitored waters, providing insight into changing biodiversity patterns. By conducting this research, Team Germany and Deutsche Bank aim to use sport as a platform to engage fans and audiences in the challenge of protecting biodiversity and the ocean.
Within the Beyond Sailing Programme, samples have been collected at seven locations: Bermuda, New York City, Alaska, Monterey Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Sassnitz, and Sydney. Since 2024, the programme has evolved to include workshops and an educational resource to disseminate findings in a fun and engaging way and to stimulate discussion and action to mitigate. In 2025 and 2026, workshops were held in Portsmouth, Sassnitz and New York.
