"It really does validate the model we have established for SailGP and is an important step on our journey towards having a truly global league. "I think having families around has been excellent and there are more coming out. They play an integral part of our career and to have them around for such a big event and big moment in anybody's career is great." Helping Barca is the fact that Bayern have little to play for except, maybe, the chance to knock out a historic rival, albeit one that has lost their aura following the departure of Lionel Messi and other big-name players amid financial problems. Sharing an office with Salford Red Devils director of rugby and operations, Ian Blease, for the best part of a year has given Paul Rowley the sort of insight into the workings of the club most head coaches could only dream of when taking on a new job.