Sports Partnerships: GB1, Somerset CCC, BUCS & More Announce New Deals
The British America’s Cup team, GB1, has bolstered its engineering capabilities with a new partnership with PhysicsX, an AI-native engineering platform. The collaboration, announced , aims to accelerate the team’s design process and optimize performance as they prepare for the 38th America’s Cup in .
The partnership comes as GB1 has resumed on-water training in Cagliari, Italy, beginning . PhysicsX will deploy its platform to integrate data, simulation, and real-world performance analysis, allowing GB1’s designers to iterate faster and gain deeper insights into the complex interplay of factors that determine success in the America’s Cup.
The America’s Cup is renowned as one of the most technically challenging competitions in sport, demanding expertise in aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, structural mechanics, and control systems. Races are often decided by seconds, making even marginal gains in design and performance critical. PhysicsX’s AI-driven approach is intended to provide that edge, helping GB1 navigate the constraints of the America’s Cup Protocol and cost caps.
“The scale and complexity of the engineering challenge in the America’s Cup means that the teams who can best integrate data, simulation and real-world performance will have a clear advantage,” said Nick Holroyd, Head of Design at GB1. “Partnering with PhysicsX allows our designers to build higher-fidelity models with lower data costs and quicker turnaround. The result is faster design iteration and greater insight into complex performance interactions, helping GB1 push the boundaries of performance.”
PhysicsX will function as an embedded partner alongside GB1’s engineers in Portsmouth, strengthening the feedback loop between simulation, data, and on-water results. This collaborative approach reflects GB1’s “One Team” ethos, emphasizing the importance of integrated teamwork in achieving peak performance.
The announcement of the partnership coincides with the addition of two new trimmers to the GB1 crew: Bleddyn Mon and Ben Cornish. Both sailors were part of the Louis Vuitton Cup-winning squad at the 37th America’s Cup, bringing valuable experience and expertise to the team.
“It’s super exciting to be rejoining the team at the start of the journey under the America’s Cup Partnership,” said Mon. “What makes the America’s Cup so unique is that it’s a real combination of sport and technology, where the sailing team and design teamwork hand in hand to push performance forward. That’s what excites me about this next America’s Cup, the continuity element is huge, and the fact that teams will be able to continue progressing their designs from one Cup to the next.”
GB1 is currently preparing for the opening preliminary regatta of the 38th America’s Cup, which will be held in Cagliari, Sardinia, from . The team recently launched its one-design AC40 race boat as part of its initial Italian training camp.
In other sports news, Somerset County Cricket Club has extended its partnership with Alliance Medical, its official diagnostic healthcare partner, through the season. Alliance Medical will continue to provide scans and imaging for players, as well as maintain a presence at the Cooper Associates County Ground on matchdays.
Jamie Thorpe, Clinical Director at Somerset County Cricket Club, highlighted the importance of the partnership in improving diagnostic imaging provision for the players, enabling faster interventions and optimized return-to-play decisions. Tracy Clark, Centre Manager at Taunton Diagnostic Centre, emphasized the shared commitment to excellence between Alliance Medical and the club.
British Universities and Colleges Sport (BUCS) has appointed UK PADEL as the official delivery partner for its inaugural Padel Championships, covering the and seasons. The event will feature men’s and women’s doubles competitions, aiming to grow the sport across higher education and build sustainable pathways for future participation.
Neal Kington, Head of Competitions at BUCS, expressed delight in partnering with UK PADEL, citing their expertise and commitment to growing the sport. Nick Baker, CEO of UK PADEL, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive competitions and providing opportunities for students to experience padel through BUCS.
Scottish Athletics has expanded its long-standing partnership with law firm Lindsays to include the national road race scene. The new agreement creates the Lindsays Road Race Series, encompassing seven national championship road race events throughout . Colin Hutchison, Chief Executive of Scottish Athletics, praised Lindsays’ support and the expansion of the partnership.
Cycling publication The British Continental has renewed its title sponsorship agreement with apparel brand Rapha for the season. The renewed backing will ensure the platform can continue its in-depth coverage of the domestic road racing scene. Jess Morgan, Rapha UK Marketing Manager, highlighted the alignment between Rapha’s commitment to the sport and The British Continental’s passion for covering domestic racing.
SportsAid has partnered with Dentsu Sports International for , as the charity prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary. Dentsu Sports International will provide strategic, creative, and fundraising support to amplify SportsAid’s work and engage new audiences. Tim Lawler MBE, Chief Executive of SportsAid, expressed excitement about the partnership and the opportunity to strengthen support for emerging athletes.