The Rolex SailGP Championship 2026 season is now underway, following a dramatic opening event in Perth, and the focus is shifting to what lies ahead as the championship builds towards Auckland in February.
This year marks SailGP’s most competitive campaign yet, with 13 teams from 13 nations racing identical F50 foiling catamarans across a growing global calendar. With a record USD $12.8 million prize pool and tighter margins across the fleet, the emphasis this season is firmly on consistency, clean execution and handling pressure when it matters most.
At its core, Rolex SailGP Championship is designed to create a level playing field
Every team races the same high-speed boats, shares performance data, and competes in short, intense events staged close to shore in stadium-style venues. Rather than being maintained by individual teams, all F50s are prepared and maintained by SailGP, keeping the fleet identical and the racing competitive.
Each event features multiple fleet races, with points awarded towards the overall season standings
Only the top three teams progress to a winner-takes-all final, meaning strong qualifying performances are just as important as delivering under pressure in the closing race. Over a 13-event season, small mistakes can have a big impact on the championship picture.
The competitive storyline for 2026 is already taking shape. Defending champions Emirates Great Britain set the early benchmark in Perth, while Australia and New Zealand head into the Auckland round with unfinished business after near misses last season.
The fleet has also grown deeper with the arrival of Artemis SailGP, Sweden’s first team in the championship, led by Olympic gold medallist Iain Percy and driven by Nathan Outteridge. Across the grid, several teams are running new crew combinations, adding another layer of unpredictability as the season unfolds.
Beyond the racing itself, SailGP continues to evolve as a global sports property
The 2026 calendar introduces new host cities including Perth and Rio, while returning to established venues such as Auckland, Halifax, Portsmouth, Sassnitz and Geneva.
Off the water, a new long-term training base in Florida is raising the overall standard by giving teams consistent access to the F50s, while the introduction of the F50 licensing system places greater focus on safety and accountability.
Technological development also continues, with the new 27.5-metre wing designed to deliver closer racing across a wider range of conditions.
Rolex SailGP Championship racing calendar for 2026
| Flag | Event | Location | Dates (2026) |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix | Perth, Australia | 17–18 January |
 |
ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Auckland | Auckland, New Zealand | 14–15 February |
|
KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix | Sydney, Australia | 28 February – 1 March |
 |
Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 12–13 April |
 |
Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix | Bermuda | 10–11 May |
 |
Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix | New York, USA | 31 May - 1 June |
 |
Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax | Halifax, Canada | 21-22 June |
 |
Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth, England | 26–27 July |
 |
Germany Sail Grand Prix | Sassnitz, Germany | 23–24 August |
 |
Spain Sail Grand Prix | Valencia, Spain | 5–7 September |
 |
ROLEX Switzerland Sail Grand Prix | Geneva, Switzerland | 20-21 September |
 |
Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix | Dubai, UAE | 21–22 November |
|
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final | Abu Dhabi, UAE | 28–29 November |
As the championship moves towards SailGP Auckland, the picture is clear
With more teams, more venues and higher stakes than ever before, every event plays a role in shaping the title race. For fans, the season offers fast boats, close racing and a championship where the smallest margins are likely to decide who lifts the trophy at the end of the year.
