Disney’s New Docuseries on Australian Sailing
Disney has taken a bold step into the world of high-speed sailing by commissioning a new docuseries from Maximum Effort and Eureka Productions. This series will focus on the intense and thrilling world of Australian sailing, specifically highlighting the Bonds Flying Roos, a top-tier team in SailGP.
The Bonds Flying Roos are led by driver Tom Slingsby and co-owned by actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds. The team has made a name for itself by winning the Sail GP in the 2019, 2021-22, and 2022-23 seasons. They have also secured second place in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, showcasing their consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
A Global Racing Season
The docuseries will follow the team as they embark on a new global racing season, described as “defined by speed, pressure and high stakes.” This is a stadium-style championship where identical 50-foot catamarans race in close-to-shore courses at speeds of up to 100 km/h. The series promises to offer an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of this demanding sport.
According to Disney, the series will feature Australia’s fastest sailors traveling the globe to face elite rivals while introducing world-famous owners Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds into SailGP. The team is led on the water by driver and CEO Tom Slingsby, who is an Olympic gold medallist, America’s Cup winner, three-time SailGP champion, and one of the most decorated sailors in history.
Blending Humor and Pressure
The docuseries aims to blend humor, pressure, and behind-the-scenes access, capturing life inside one of the world’s most demanding sports leagues. The team operates as a tight-knit family built on trust and camaraderie, which is essential for success in such a high-stakes environment.
Ryan Reynolds, in a press release, mentioned that this is his next big collaboration with Jackman, following in the footsteps of 2024’s Marvel adventure, Deadpool & Wolverine. “This is our first collaboration since Deadpool & Wolverine and we once again anticipate action, comedy, heart but with a lot more water,” Reynolds said. “And (fingers crossed) pirates. We hope there’s pirates in SailGP.”
Production Details
Currently, the series remains untitled, but production is underway with Maximum Effort and Eureka Productions. Brent Hodge, known for works like I Am Chris Farley, Violent, and A Brony Tale, serves as director and showrunner. Rob Mac, who has worked on Welcome to Wrexham and It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, will executive produce through More Better Productions.
It is expected that the series will be available on Disney+ in Australia and internationally, as well as on Hulu in the US.
Sailing as a New Frontier
What makes Disney’s latest commission notable is its apparent role in a new push to showcase high-octane sports in documentary format. This initiative aims to harness ever-growing fanbases and introduce new people into sports with a more human angle.
This style of docuseries has been seen before, with Netflix’s Formula 1: Drive to Survive being a prominent example. It showcases racing with a focus on the personalities behind the scenes, combining human-led storytelling with artful and cinematic racing footage.
Sailing occasionally gets similar spotlight in Australia, particularly during the annual Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race season, but its inner workings have seldom been explored in mainstream media. Disney’s new docuseries could illuminate some of the sport’s darker corners, offering a look at what goes into high-level sailing and maintaining a spot at the top of the global rankings.
Future Plans
For now, a release window has not been shared, but more information about this project is expected in the coming months.
Other News
Also, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to kick off on 12 June in Australia. With over 100 matches taking place across 16 cities in three countries, it’s a massive event that is likely to have all eyes glued to the screen.
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