Red Bull Sea Sprint – Falmouth, Cornwall

• Client: FCKRY (for Red Bull)
• Location: Falmouth, Cornwall
• Date: 20 September 2025
• Timeline: May–September 2025

By the Numbers:

• 12 South West locations assessed
• 6 shortlisted towns
• 1 final venue: Falmouth North Quay
• 18 teams of 8 athletes
• Racing: 3 heats plus A, B & C finals, all in one condensed day

The Challenge

Red Bull Sea Sprint was a brand-new concept, blending gig rowing with swimming and tall-ship challenges. The project needed safe, protected waters, excellent spectator viewpoints, deep water for a tall ship, and space to host pontoons and athlete transitions. With no precedent for this event, venue selection and adapting the race format were as critical as overlay delivery.

Our Approach

• Xplor supported FCKRY and Red Bull with project management and overlay delivery from concept through to race day.
• In May 2025, we ran a feasibility study analysing 12 potential South West locations using a custom-built scorecard, measuring factors such as water safety, spectator sightlines, gig rowing culture, deep-water access, and infrastructure for pontoons.
• Reduced the venue list to 6, with site visits in Devon and Cornwall resulting in the selection of Falmouth, thanks to proactive council support and an engaged gig rowing club. 
• Liaised with local authorities, Safety Advisory Group (SAG), landowners, and gig clubs. Oversaw branding integration and helped refine the sports rules and race format.
• Designed detailed site plans and venue layouts to manage athlete flow, spectator zones, pontoons, and broadcast positions, ensuring feasibility and safety at every stage.
• Worked closely with the water safety team and harbour authority to plan and manage the swim and rowing elements, ensuring safe transitions, exclusion zones, and coordination with ferry traffic.
  
• Worked within Event Control to oversee venue operations and manage event-day timings and logistics, specifically in regards to safety management.
• Responded to severe weather warnings by condensing the schedule, adjusting start times, and coordinating with ferries to maintain safety, exclusion zones, and clear communication.

The Impact

Xplor’s structured approach; from feasibility study and venue planning to stakeholder management and live delivery, gave Red Bull the confidence to launch a brand-new event format in a challenging coastal environment. The race was successfully staged in Falmouth, with safe athlete transitions, engaged local clubs, and strong public attendance despite weather challenges.