The ‘Formula 1 of sailing’ has now been running for more than half a decade. We are already in the second half of the sixth season. Top of the table are the Bonds Flying Roos, three-time Australian record holders, ahead of Spain’s 2024 champions Los Gallos and the British title holders Emirates GBR. Team Germany is currently in seventh place among the 13 SailGP teams, having completed seven of the 13 events in what is only its third season.
SailGP aims to redefine the perception of sailing
On 25 and 26 July, following a lengthy summer break, the European leg of the season gets underway in Portsmouth, with further events in Sassnitz (22–23 August), Valencia (5–6 September) and on Lake Geneva (19–20 September). The season is then set to conclude with the penultimate SailGP race weekend in Dubai (21–22 November) and the final in Abu Dhabi (28–29 November). Following the success of its inaugural event in 2025, Sassnitz on Rügen has already been awarded the contract to host a third SailGP event in 2027.
CEO and co-founder Sir Russell Coutts has now announced that the league is sailing into a new era. As one of the most influential figures in international sailing, the New Zealander had already provided some details of his plans last year during an exclusive interview with *YACHT* in Sassnitz. The first half-decade had been spent laying the foundations for the international championship series and strengthening them. The focus now is on further expanding the Rolex Sail Grand Prix. Coutts had already announced this at the start of the year.
Now, the New Zealand visionary and leader has said: “When Larry Ellison and I founded SailGP in 2018, our aim was to redefine the way sailing is viewed, perceived and experienced: We wanted to inspire the next generation through a unique championship for the best professional athletes in the sport, in which everyone competes on a level playing field at the world’s most famous venues.”
The new era of SailGP: growing spectator numbers, consistency and XL frames
Coutts’ interim assessment: “The first five years were about laying solid foundations, developing an exceptional, fan-focused sporting product, testing what works, and learning from that. We are now entering a new phase characterised by audience growth, consistency and a broader scope. We have a product that, in terms of its appeal as a sport and entertainment format, can compete with the world’s leading sporting championships.”
Over the next few years, the aim will be to ensure that sports fans, cities and brands around the world hear about it. SailGP was founded by Coutts and Oracle founder and Chief Technology Officer Larry Ellison. The ‘Formula 1 of sailing’ has become one of the fastest-growing global sports brands, combining state-of-the-art technology, stadium races close to the coast and rivalries between national teams in prominent harbour cities.
According to the league, a total of 215 million people watched the television broadcasts in 2025. By 2030, SailGP aims to reach more than 30 million viewers per event. These targets are set to be supported by growing brand awareness, established markets and expansion into new regions such as China, Japan, India, Mexico and South Korea. The privatisation of all 13 current league teams was already completed in June with the takeover of New Zealand’s Black Foils by MSP Sports Capital.
CEO Thompson: “The strategy belongs to everyone”
SailGP Chief Executive Andrew Thompson said: “SailGP 2030 builds on the principles that have defined SailGP from the very beginning: stadium races held close to the coast at iconic locations around the world, world-leading technology, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of sport and entertainment.”
However, according to Thompson, this only works as a team: “Without the trust and commitment of all our stakeholders – our partners, teams, venues and athletes – our growth to date would not have been possible. This strategy belongs to them just as much as it does to us, and together we will drive the league and the next chapter of the sport forward into 2030 and beyond.”
The stated aim remains growth across all areas. Both the number of teams and the number of venues are set to increase. Just three days ago, on 13 July, the league unveiled the 15th F50 foiler, which is nearing completion. The as-yet-unnamed Team 14 is set to kick off the new season in Perth in 2027.
Waiting for the chance to train in SailGP
Even before then – from September 2026 – teams should be able to, to train at the American Magic Performance and Innovation Centre in Pensacola, Florida. This would finally give younger teams and newcomers the chance to prepare better for the league and iron out any weaknesses. The Germany SailGP Team is also eagerly looking forward to this opportunity. Anyone who wants to see the team live in Sassnitz this summer – Click here to buy tickets.
Tatjana Pokorny
Sports reporter