Your guide to SailGP: The calendar, course, and where to watch

Sometimes referred to as the F1 of sailing, SailGP first started in 2019. The racing league takes place every year, with sailors representing their country in teams competing for a chance to race in the final championship for the season title and a $2m cash prize.

In this blog, we’ll take you through the top things to know about SailGP, including the format of the race, the schedule, the boats, and some common questions.

What is SailGP?

SailGP is a global racing league that sees teams from countries such as Great Britain, Australia, and the USA compete for a championship title and the grand prize. The individual races take place across several different continents, with the teams earning points for winning each event.

The reason SailGP is often referred to as the F1 of sailing is the speed and intensity of the races, with sailing teams using catamarans that can reach speeds comparable to a car!

How does SailGP work?

The SailGP season consists of multiple Grand Prix fleet races across the world in locations such as Sydney, Saint-Tropez, and New York. The two-day event held at each location usually consists of five races, where teams can rack up points based on their finish, so performing well across the season is highly important. The top three on the leaderboard at the end of the season then compete in a grand final to take home the championship title.

The SailGP calendar 2026: Key dates

The Rolex SailGP Championship Season has 13 events running throughout the year. Below is the list of dates and locations so you can find one near you:

• 17th-18th January: Oracle Perth Sail Grand Prix
• 14th-15th February: ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix
• 28th February-1st March: KPMG Sydney Sail Grand Prix
• 11th-12th April: Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix
• 9th-10th May: Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
• 30th-31st May: Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
• 20th-21st June: Canada Sail Grand Prix
• 25th-26th July: Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix
• 22nd-23rd August: Rockwool Germany Sail Grand Prix
• 5th-6th September: Spain Sail Grand Prix
• 19th-20th September: Rolex Switzerland Sail Grand Prix
• 21st-22nd November: Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix
• 28th-29th November: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 2026 Season Grand Final

 
The SailGP boats

A high-performance league like the SailGP requires an impressive vessel. Here we answer some of the most common questions about the boats used during the SailGP Championship.

What types of boats are in the SailGP?

Throughout the SailGP, competing teams exclusively use the F50 foiling catamaran. This boat uses hydrofoils to lift the hull out of the water, which is why it can reach such high speeds.

How are SailGP boats transported?

Because of their size, the F50 foiling catamarans are usually disassembled into separate parts to make them easier to transport and reassembled once they’ve reached their destination. The parts can then be transported in shipping containers or custom crates.

How do SailGP boats work?

As we’ve mentioned, foils underneath the catamaran can lift the hull above the water at speed. Rather than fabric sails, these boats also feature a rigid wingsail and two narrow hulls, which enhance aerodynamics and stability.

How fast do SailGP boats go?

During the race, the F50 foiling catamarans can reach speeds of up to 60mph.

How much does a SailGP boat cost?

An F50 foiling catamaran can set you back $10m (roughly £7.4m) or more. However, during the SailGP, the league owns the boats competitors use, which helps keep the races fair and equal for those who want to participate.

How much does a SailGP boat weigh?

A fully rigged F50 foiling catamaran can weigh up to three tonnes.

The SailGP course

The SailGP race course generally includes a start line, windward mark, leeward mark, and gate marks. Contestants are required to set off from the start line, complete the upwind leg, downwind leg, and round one of two gate boys, which they then repeat for multiple laps.

SailGP FAQs

Is SailGP on TV?

In the UK, the SailGP Grand Prix races and the grand final are shown on both TNT Sports and Discovery+.

What are the SailGP crew positions?

A crew in charge of sailing the F50 foiling catamaran usually consists of five key roles:

• Driver: In charge of strategy and steering the boat
• Wing trimmer: Controls the rigid sail
• Flight controller: Keeps the boat up on its foils while controlling height and stability
• Grinders (x2): Two grinders have to create hydraulic power through grinding systems, which power controls across the catamaran

Why is it called SailGP?

SailGP actually stands for Sail Grand Prix, further bolstering its reputation as F1 on the water and reflecting the speed at which the race takes place.

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