LUKE PARKINSON

Hometown: Perth, Australia 

IG: @parkoluke

Key Achievements: 

 3 x America’s Cup Campaigns 

 1 x Volvo Ocean Race Winner

 

Luke Parkinson began sailing in a mirror dinghy at the age of five in Perth, Western Australia. He has since gone on to compete in one Youth America’s Cup, three America’s Cups, two consecutive Volvo Ocean Races and four SailGP Seasons. In the build-up to London 2012 he also campaigned in the Olympic 49er class, training with Nathan Outteridge and Iain Jensen. During his first Volvo Ocean Race, with Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing, Luke was one of only two under-30’s onboard and after 10 months of intense racing, they came away winners. He has competed in three America's Cups, two with Sir Ben Ainslie's British Challenge. At the most recent America's Cup in Barcelona, Luke and the British team made history by becoming the first British team to enter the America’s Cup Match in 60 years, and the first British team to score points in the Match in 90 years. Luke has competed as a Flight Controller in SailGP since its inception, racing with Japan in Season 1 before joining Emirates GBR for Season 2 onwards. He is tasked with keeping the F50 race boat flying above the water to reduce drag and increase speed. With four SailGP Seasons under his belt, Luke is widely regarded as one of the best Flight Controllers in the sport.