On 22 and 23 August 2026, the ROCKWOOL Germany Sail Grand Prix Once again off Sassnitz. The F50 catamarans will set sail off the coast of Rügen, whilst visitors should expect significant traffic disruption. Here is an overview of the key information on access routes, parking, shuttle services, train services and the event site.
13,000 visitors are expected
Anyone travelling to SailGP Sassnitz 2026 by car should not wait until just before the races begin. The town is expecting large numbers of visitors and will be closing several access roads to Sassnitz over the weekend of the event. Parking spaces have been set aside in Neu Mukran for guests arriving by car. Shuttle buses will run directly from there to the event site.
The town of Sassnitz has revised its traffic plan in the light of last year’s experience. The road closures will be in place on both days of the event, namely on Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August 2026.
These access roads will be closed
The restrictions come into force at 10 am each day. Different time slots apply depending on the route:
- The B 96 near the Sagard Bridge, the L 303 at the Werder junction heading towards Hagen, and the Straße der Jugend will be affected between 10 am and 3 pm.
- The L 29 in the Mukran area, as well as the junction between Gewerbepark and Mukraner Straße, will be closed from 10 am to 4 pm.
- In the area around the city harbour, there will be a number of road closures between 10.00 and 20.00. These include Hafenstraße at the junction with Seestraße, the section between Rügenfisch and the Water Police, and the area between the entrances to the multi-storey car park.
Entry into the town is only permitted during certain time slots with a valid permit. Employees, event organisers and other authorised persons may apply for an entry permit from the town of Sassnitz. A diversion route has been put in place for emergencies in the area of the city harbour. Those affected should report to the checkpoint on Straße der Jugend.
The Traffic information for the town of Sassnitz include the designated restricted areas and the contact details for applications for a transit permit.
Parking in Neu Mukran and shuttle buses
For visitors arriving by car, parking spaces are available in Neu Mukran. To get there, take the A 20 and the B 96 towards Sassnitz. At the junction leading into Mukran, you will be directed to the car parks.
Shuttle buses run from the car parks to the event site at Sassnitz Town Harbour. If you are driving your own car, you should allow plenty of time to park your vehicle and then continue your journey on the shuttle.
The information provided by the town and the organisers differs with regard to parking charges and the shuttle service: the town of Sassnitz states that there are free shuttle buses from Neu Mukran. On the official SailGP ticket page with travel information However, a park-and-ride service is mentioned, with a charge of 31 euros per vehicle, including the shuttle. Visitors should therefore check the information provided by the organiser and the city before setting off.
Access to the organiser’s city centre car parks is only permitted with a valid parking ticket. Anyone without such a ticket should not attempt to drive through the barriers.
Train, bus and bicycle
In addition to the park-and-ride scheme, the town recommends travelling by public transport or by bike. The town harbour can be reached from Sassnitz railway station by bus routes 18 or 22. Alternatively, according to the organiser, the harbour can be reached on foot in around 15 minutes.
Additional rail capacity has been arranged for the event. Bicycle parking spaces will be set up in the car park opposite the black Netto supermarket. Anyone arriving by bicycle should use the designated parking facilities and should not attempt to cycle through cordoned-off areas of the harbour.
Visitors should check the latest timetables and any possible changes immediately before departure. At an event attended by several thousand guests, there may be waiting times at stations, stops and shuttle car parks.
When does the event site open?
The Race Stadium is due to be open on both days from 1.30 pm to 6 pm. According to the organiser, the races are currently scheduled to take place between 3.30 pm and 5 pm. The timetable is subject to weather conditions and may change at short notice.
The races take place on F50 catamarans. The boats glide over the water on foils and, in the right conditions, can reach speeds of over 100 kilometres per hour. At the inaugural event in Sassnitz in 2025, a speed record of 103.93 kilometres per hour was reported. A detailed review of the first event is provided by the YACHT report on the SailGP weekend in Sassnitz.
The location of the town harbour and its proximity to the race track make Sassnitz particularly attractive to spectators. The article describes how well-suited the circuit is to the stadium race and why the races take place so close to the grandstands. YACHT report on the foilers off Sassnitz.
What visitors should bring with them
Visitors spend several hours outdoors at the event site. A hat, sun cream and plenty of drinking water are therefore just as essential as a rain jacket and an extra warm layer. The weather on the Baltic coast can change, and there are only limited options for sheltering from rain or wind in the stands.
Large umbrellas are not permitted in the stands as they obstruct other spectators’ view. Bags and other items may be checked upon entry. Visitors should therefore only bring the essentials and check the organiser’s latest security information before setting off.
Dogs are not permitted on the event site. Registered assistance dogs are exempt from this rule. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. According to the organiser, entry to the Race Stadium is free for children under five, but they must sit on the lap of an accompanying adult in the non-reserved seating area.
Taking your own boat to SailGP
SailGP also offers a dedicated format for visitors on the water. The race course is situated in the waters off the event site. A restricted zone will be established around the regatta course, marked by buoys and a digital map updated daily.
Only boats flying the official SailGP BYO-B flag are permitted to enter this area. All other vessels must remain outside the restricted zone. The exact route of the race may change depending on wind and sea conditions. Anyone travelling by their own boat should follow the organiser’s daily updates and the advice of the water police.
The Information from the organiser regarding the race circuit and the restricted area explain how to use the markings on the water and the digital map, which is updated daily.
Key points at a glance
- The SailGP Race Stadium is expected to be open on 22 and 23 August from 1.30 pm to 6 pm.
- The races are currently scheduled to take place between 3.30 pm and 5 pm, but may be postponed due to the weather.
- Access to Sassnitz will be restricted on both days between 10.00 and 15.00, or 16.00, depending on the route.
- In the harbour area, some road closures remain in place until 8.00 pm.
- Visitor car parks are located in Neu Mukran.
- Shuttle buses take visitors from the car parks to the city harbour.
- If you’re travelling by train or bus, you can reach the town harbour from Sassnitz railway station on bus routes 18 or 22.
- Large umbrellas and dogs are not permitted in the Race Stadium.
- A marked exclusion zone applies to boats on the water around the race course.
If you set off early, check the latest traffic updates and avoid driving into the city centre, you’ll have the best chance of getting to the race without any extra stress. The official information may change in the run-up to the event weekend.
How are you travelling to the SailGP in Sassnitz? Please share your thoughts in the comments.
Martin Hager
Editor in Chief YACHT