The ripples are still subsiding after the thrilling events of the Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix 2025 this summer, but if you’re missing the action already, you’ll be happy to learn it’ll be back next year. Returning to the shores of Portsmouth in July, the exhilarating event will treat the crowds to a new weekend of adrenaline-pumping racing, skilful performance, live music from famous artists and much more. Think of it as a spectacular fusion of festival and sporting event, with a boat-load of competitive thrills and entertainment.
What exactly is SailGP?
This is basically F1 on water, where, instead of engines, world-class athletes are fuelled by the wind and waves, and the races are a hull of a lot shorter – though equally intense. Thirteen national teams (Great Britain, USA, New Zealand, Spain, Brazil, Italy, Canada, Australia, Denmark, Germany, France, Switzerland and Sweden) race on identical high-tech hydrofoiling F50 catamarans.
In case you’re wondering, hydrofoils are a revolutionary feature similar to aircraft wings, which use speed to generate lift, raising the boat out of the water and therefore reducing drag. This means the SailGP F50’s can reach epic speeds of well over 100km/h.
There are six to eight races at every one of the two-day events, with 13 stops overall, which take place in iconic venues around the world. Each team’s ranking will determine the amount of season points they get, culminating in a Grand Final where the top three go head-to-head in a winner-takes-all race. The races unfold a stone’s throw from the shore, with stadium-style grandstands right on the waterside so you can have a front row seat for every second of the action.
What can you expect at SailGP 2026?
This year’s Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix saw the best in the world battle it out, with New Zealand’s ‘Black Foils’ team emerging victorious. The rival teams will be back for another round in the summer of 2026, keeping fans on the edge of their seats as they carve a speedy path through Portsmouth’s unpredictable waters to cross the finish line first. These whirlwind races are perfect for those who love the thrill of the chase, heart-in-your-mouth close calls and the chance to see talented athletes, including Olympic gold medallists, do what they do best.
What kind of entertainment is there?
That’s not all. Also included in your day ticket is some unmissable After-Sail entertainment that will feel like you’ve stumbled into a festival. Post-race, you will be able to dance off your race-fueled excitement and sing your heart out as top music artists take to the stage with epic performances. With the likes of Tom Grennan and Pete Tong firing up the crowds this year, you are sure to be in for a good time with the yet-to-be-announced 2026 headliners.
There’s also the chance to get stuck into a variety of fun activities, and a tempting selection of irresistible food and refreshing drinks to fuel your celebrations (or ease your commiserations).
It’s not every day you can see athletes harness the power of nature to claim victory. Plus, SailGP combines speedy spectacle with sustainability – with a second leaderboard known as the ‘Impact League’ which rewards teams who take steps to protect the planet. Yet another reason why the SailGP should be top of your list of things to do next summer, but you’ll want to grab tickets sharpish, as they can sell out quick.
Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth 2026 – Weekend Tickets
