Ocean Crusaders J-Bird join forces with Sydney Showground for this year's Rolex Sydney Hobart

Ocean Crusaders J-Bird 2023 Sydney to Hobart Race © Craig Greenhill / www.saltydingo.com.au

Sydney Showground is taking its investment in sustainability beyond the event space and has entered into a 12-month partnership with ocean conservation organisation, Ocean Crusaders in an exciting project for the premier event venue.

As part of the deal, Sydney Showground will directly sponsor Ocean Crusaders, and its 100% electric, zero-carbon emission, TP52 racing yacht, Ocean Crusaders J-Bird, supporting its entry into the iconic Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race, along with a clean-up project on the Parramatta River.

Ocean Crusaders J-Bird is the first electric-powered yacht to enter the race and aims to raise awareness of the importance of green energy solutions during the renowned event.

Evolving the role a venue plays in event sustainability, Sydney Showground will also invest in the project on behalf of its clients, including the Sydney Boat Show, which just place at the venue.

Sydney Showground Director of Sales and Marketing, Andrew Roberts advised "as a venue, we are putting our money where our mouth is and taking our investment in sustainability beyond our own industry.

"We initially met the great team at Ocean Crusaders last year through our event sustainability partners, Clima and were inspired by the work they are doing in cleaning up our oceans and bringing attention to green energy solutions.

"Through our investment in the team, we hope to play our part in highlighting innovative energy solutions beyond our own industry and give back to the wider community in a unique way that benefits both our clients and the environment."

Ocean Crusaders Founder, Ian Thomson, shared Roberts' enthusiasm, saying the donation will be instrumental in helping to get the word out.

Thomson enthused "we are thrilled to continue to evolve our partnership with Sydney Showground and are grateful for their on-going support of our important mission.

"This funding directly assists with our efforts to clean up the ocean and waterways and has ensured that we can spread our message through competing in the internationally renowned Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race on boxing day."

So far in 2025, thanks to the support of its various sponsors and donors, Ocean Crusaders have managed to remove 54,834kg of debris from Australian oceans and waterways.

Ocean Crusaders is a charitable organisation committed to waterway conservation and marine debris removal. Its 100% Zero Emission Racing Yacht, J-Bird, provides a unique platform to showcase blue economy and green energy solutions on an international stage.

Taking an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility, Sydney Showground has long explored new ways to give back on behalf of clients, and this groundbreaking deal is another exciting step in this journey.

In 2024, Sydney Showground also launched its Climate Conscious Events initiative with climate solution organisation Clima, providing clients with solution-driven opportunities to make their events more sustainable.

Alongside this partnership, Sydney Showground has also invested in numerous venue upgrades to reduce its carbon emissions.

To learn more about Sydney Showground and its sustainability journey, visit www.sydneyshowground.com.au.

For more information on Explore Ocean Crusaders' work go to www.OceanCrusaders.org.