From Hollywood to the Mediterranean
Reynolds ultimately secured a tight victory on the water.
That cinematic off-screen feud has officially gone aquatic.
Inside the High-Octane Showdown
The stunt served as a high-visibility marketing masterclass for the sport, marrying blockbuster IP with elite professional sailing. Rather than sitting safely in the VIP lounge, both actors stepped directly into the action as official “sixth sailors” (6th Sailors). Clad in custom gear featuring helmets modeled after their famous X-Men universe personas, Deadpool and Wolverine, the duo traded playful insults for sheer adrenaline.
Jackman took his position aboard the BONDS Flying Roos—the Australian SailGP team of which he is a co-owner alongside Andrew Baker and Reynolds himself—while Reynolds threw his support behind NorthStar Canada, piloting the red-and-white vessel.
A Razor-Thin Victory on the Water
This was no staged celebrity photo-op where the stars merely waved from the stern. Both actors actively took the wheel, pushing the state-of-the-art catamaran to its physical limits in a mano-a-mano sprint. According to on-the-ground coverage, the race stayed razor-thin until a late penalty handed to Jackman’s Australian crew cleared the path for Reynolds to capture the win for the Canadian contingent.
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It is a continuation of a multi-year promotional playbook that has proven exceptionally lucrative for both men. Bringing that dynamic to competitive sailing underscores how modern studio marketing relies less on traditional junkets and more on high-engagement, experiential brand stunts.
The Teams at a Glance
| Participant | Team Representation | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Reynolds | NorthStar Canada / BONDS Flying Roos (Co-Owner) | 6th Sailor / Winning Helm |
| Hugh Jackman | BONDS Flying Roos (Co-Owner) | 6th Sailor / Competitor |
Expanding Sports Entertainment Beyond the Stadium
As SailGP continues to court mainstream entertainment audiences through high-profile team ownerships and dramatic on-water rivalries, the presence of Hollywood royalty proves that sports entertainment is expanding far beyond traditional stadiums.
What do you make of Hollywood stars taking over elite sporting leagues for promotional showdowns? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
