Founded in 2018 by billionaire entrepreneur Larry Ellison and sailing legend Russell Coutts, SailGP was created to transform sailing into a globally recognized, commercially sustainable sport. Inspired by the technology-driven excitement of Formula 1, SailGP introduced one-design F50 catamarans to ensure that victories are determined by skill, not resources.

Over the years, the league has grown to include more teams, iconic venues, and a commitment to sustainability through its Impact League, a parallel competition rewarding teams for environmental innovation.

The 2026 SailGP season promises a world tour of breathtaking racing locations. Venues include:

1. Perth, Australia
   Dates: January 17–18, 2026
   Event: Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix
   Details: The season kicks off in Perth at Bathers Beach with a thrilling launch of the 2026 Rolex SailGP Championship. 

2. Auckland, New Zealand
   Dates: February 14–15, 2026
   Event: ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland
   Details: SailGP's second visit to Auckland, known as the "City of Sails", promises dynamic racing close to the city center.

3. Sydney, Australia
   Dates: February 28–March 1, 2026
   Event: KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
   Details: Returning to the iconic Sydney Harbour, a favorite among fans and sailors alike.

4. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
   Dates: April 11–12, 2026
   Event: Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix
   Details: SailGP's first venture into South America, racing in the iconic Guanabara Bay.

5. Bermuda
   Dates: May 9–10, 2026
   Event: Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
   Details: A return to the island's turquoise waters.

6. New York City, The United States
   Dates: May 30–31, 2026
   Event: Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
   Details: The fleet competes against the backdrop of Manhattan's skyline.

7. Halifax, Canada
   Dates: June 20–21, 2026
   Event: Canada Sail Grand Prix
   Details: SailGP returns to Halifax in 2026 with an expanded Race Stadium in the northernmost stop on the Americas circuit.

8. Portsmouth, Great Britain
   Dates: July 25–26, 2026
   Event: Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix
   Details: A return to British waters as the European leg kicks off.

9. Sassnitz, Germany
   Dates: August 22–23, 2026
   Event: Germany Sail Grand Prix
   Details: Germany hosts SailGP for the second year in a row in the coastal town of Sassnitz. Helly Hansen is proud to be the official clothing sponsor of the Germany SailGP Team, supporting their journey on the fastest racecourse in the world.

10. Valencia, Spain
    Dates: September 5–6, 2026
    Event: Spain Sail Grand Prix
    Details: SailGP makes it debut in the Spanish city of Valencia.

11. Geneva, Switzerland
    Dates: September 19–20, 2026
    Event: Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix
    Details: SailGP brings high-speed sailing to Lake Geneva for the second time.

12. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    Dates: November 21–22, 2026
    Event: Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix
    Details: The penultimate event of the season.

13. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
    Dates: November 28–29, 2026
    Event: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final
    Details: The season concludes in Abu Dhabi, determining the 2026 champion.

Please note that specific details for certain events are still pending. For the most up-to-date information, it's advisable to check the official SailGP website or recent announcements.

SailGP’s format keeps the action fast and intense by design:

• Fleet Races: Each event features six short races over two days. Teams earn points based on their finishing position, with the top three advancing to a match race final.
• Season Scoring: Points accumulate across the season. The three highest-ranked teams qualify for the Grand Final.
• Identical Boats: All teams compete on the same F50 catamarans, ensuring equal technological footing.
• Safety First: New rules penalize collisions and unsafe maneuvers, emphasizing skillful sailing.

The SailGP 2026 season showcases 13 national teams with unique sailing styles and competitive spirit. From championship-winning veterans to ambitious newcomers, these teams will battle across global venues in identical F50 catamarans. With world-class sailors at the helm and advanced tactics on display, the competition promises to be fierce. Here’s a closer look at the teams:

• Germany SailGP Team: Led by two-time Olympic medalist Erik Kosegarten-Heil, the Germany SailGP Team, supported by owners Thomas Riedel and Sebastian Vettel continues to excel. We're excited to be along for the ride as the team's official clothing sponsor.
• Artemis SailGP Team: Under Iain Percy and backed by Torbjörn Törnqvist, the Artemis SailGP Team returns for 2026, showcasing Sweden’s sailing heritage with a world-class lineup led by driver Nathan Outteridge.
• Bonds Flying Ross SailGP Team: Led by Tom Slingsby, Australia is a dominant force in SailGP, known for their exceptional teamwork and consistent podium finishes.
• Mubadala Brazil SailGP Team: The Brazilian team, helmed by two-time Olympic champion Martine Grael, is the first team to have a female driver.
• Northstar SailGP Team: Led by two-time Olympic champion Giles Scott, the NorthStar SailGP Team combines Canadian and international talent, with a strong track record of victories and a mission to inspire the next generation.
• ROCKWOOL SailGP Team: With Nicolai Sehested at the helm, the Danish team focuses on leveraging innovative tactics and solid crew coordination.
• Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team: Skippered by Dylan Fletcher, the British team brings Olympic-level expertise and a reputation for resilience on the water.
• DS Automobiles SailGP Team France: Helmed by Quentin Delapierre, the French team blends precision sailing and tactical acumen to aim for top spots.
• Red Bull Italy SailGP Team: Founded by Jimmy Spithill in 2025, the Red Bull Italy SailGP Team features a dynamic mix of seasoned SailGP talent and rising stars.
• Black Foils SailGP Team: Led by Peter Burling and Blair Tuke, the Black Foils represent New Zealand with bold innovation and a commitment to protecting the ocean for future generations.
• Los Gallos SailGP Team: Led by Diego Botin and Florian Trittel, Los Gallos SailGP Team, the youngest to debut in SailGP, became Season 4 champions with a lineup of top-tier sailing talent.
• Switzerland SailGP Team: Skippered by Sébastien Schneiter, the Swiss team continues to refine its performance in pursuit of better results.
• United States SailGP Team: Led by co-owners Ryan and Margaret McKillen and driver Taylor Canfield, the U.S. SailGP Team boasts an All-American roster and backing from top U.S. sports, entertainment, and tech investors.

Competing in identical F50 catamarans, the teams will rely on strategic brilliance and teamwork to outperform their rivals on the global stage.

The F50 catamaran is a marvel of engineering, designed to achieve record-breaking speeds and precise control. At the heart of its performance is its hydrofoiling system, which uses foils that lift the boat above the water, drastically reducing drag and allowing speeds up to 60 mph. 

The wing sail, which functions similarly to an airplane wing, can be adjusted using different configurations (18m, 24m, or 29m) depending on wind conditions, maximizing efficiency in diverse weather. 

Interchangeable daggerboards and rudders enhance versatility, ensuring stability even at extreme speeds. The onboard systems use advanced sensors that monitor performance metrics in real-time, providing crucial data to the crew and analysts that allow them to optimize performance through insights into wind patterns and boat positioning—turning the F50 into a technological powerhouse of competitive sailing.

SailGP’s innovative approach extends to its broadcasts, making it easy for fans to follow the action:

• Live Streams: Available on SailGP’s official website and app
• Television Coverage: Broadcasts through major networks, depending on your region.
• On-Site Viewing: Many venues offer grandstands and VIP experiences for fans to witness the races up close.
• SailGP Insights: An online dashboard which provides fans with huge amounts of real-time race data and live broadcast videos.