Please select your home edition
Edition

AST and B&G extend high-performing partnership

by Lisa Darmanin / Australian Sailing Team 2 Jul 06:55 UTC
Olympic Coach and Silver Medallist Darren Bundock and AST High Performance Director Iain Brambell © Beau Outteridge

The Australian Sailing Team (AST) has announced the renewal of its long-term partnership with B&G, the world's leading sailing navigation and instrument specialists, continuing a collaboration that has been critical to the success of the team over the past eight years.

The four-year extension will see the partnership through until at least the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, and reaffirms a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and excellence on the global stage. More than just a supply agreement, the partnership provides AST coach boats with state-of-the-art B&G electronics and technical support—often delivered under tight timelines ahead of major international regattas.

Australian Sailing's High Performance Director, Iain Brambell, emphasised the importance of reliable, accurate data in competitive sailing.

"Sailing is an incredibly complex sport, shaped by constantly changing environmental factors. Having real-time and historical data is vital for understanding these variables and supports our sailors to make smart decisions on the water," Brambell said.

"B&G equipment enables us to capture and analyse environmental conditions seamlessly, giving our coaches and athletes a clearer picture of performance and opportunity."

The relationship has been a fruitful one for both parties, producing a long list of World Championship and Olympic medals throughout the partnership, all whilst providing valuable feedback to the team at B&G to further advance product development.

"B&G has been a trusted partner of the AST since 2016, supporting high-performance sailing with purpose-built technology," said Brad Verkerk, Navico Group's Marketing Manager.

"We're proud to be the only brand designing electronics specifically for sailing and are committed to contributing not only to elite racing, but also to youth development, cruising, and broader community initiatives."

Every AST coach boat is equipped with a B&G multifunction display and advanced sensors that track wind, weather, and sea conditions in real time—providing consistent data and insights no matter where the team is competing around the world.

Michael Blackburn, Olympic bronze medallist and Australian Sailing Technical Director, echoed the value of the partnership.

"Our coaches rely on robust, high-performance equipment that works under pressure, in all conditions. B&G has delivered that time and again. Their systems help us monitor wind strength and direction with high precision.

"Having these tools onboard is a game-changer, and we're thrilled to continue this partnership through the next Olympic cycle and beyond."

Related Articles

Big Deal, Bayliss 75' on the water update
Built for owners with a long-standing relationship with our boatyard Bayliss Boatworks is proud to announce the delivery of Big Deal (Bayliss 75'), a custom sportfishing weapon designed and built for owners with a long-standing relationship with our boatyard. Posted on 5 Jul
The enhanced Yellowfin 54 Offshore
The most stable ride in its class Welcome to the next evolution of the 54 Offshore. We have evolved the Yellowfin 54 Offshore to redefine your boating experience. Posted on 4 Jul
Michael Rybovich & Sons construction updates
Progress on hulls from 84', 62' down to 42' New construction updates of 70' S/F Hull # 9, 42' S/F hull #10, 75' S/F hull #11, 84' S/F - Hull # 12. Posted on 4 Jul
Bayliss Boatworks new construction updates
The team is making solid headway on Mama Seata Tarheel is shaping up beautifully, with our exterior carpentry team recently installing the teak coaming and coverboards in the cockpit. Posted on 3 Jul
A new chapter begins
Two new flagship models for the Open & Heritage Series Introducing the all-new Heritage 321 — the ultimate family center console and the new flagship of the Heritage Series. Posted on 2 Jul
Marine Auctions: Special July Online Auction
The bidding will end on Tuesday 22 July at 2pm AEST The alternative way of selling any type of vessel or marine asset with proven and successful results. Posted on 2 Jul
One thing. One big, very fast boat
One thing that opened the door, another made us enquire some more - 50 knots! Yes. It was one thing that opened the door, as it were. One thing that piqued the curiosity enough to go, ‘I'll take a look at that!' One thing that when you're trying to crack in excess of 50 knots... Posted on 30 Jun
Fishing: Patterning brown bass
Post-spawn through summer smallies Whitewater Fishing B.A.S.S. tournament pro, Alex Redwine, talks fishing the transition period Posted on 26 Jun
2025 Bahamas Fly-fishing Tournament Series
Anglers to compete across some of The Bahamas' top bonefishing spots The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation announced the launch of Bonefishing Tournament Series that will showcase diverse pristine flats across four islands - Grand Bahama, Andros, Eleuthera and the championship round will be held in Exuma Posted on 20 Jun
Mote leads seagrass restoration initiative
Florida legislature establishes the Seagrass Restoration Technology Development Initiative Seagrasses play a crucial role in the health and resilience of Florida's coastal ecosystems. They provide nursery habitats for keystone species and stabilize shorelines and sediments. Posted on 20 Jun