San Francisco Bay comes alive today for the start of the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix. The event follows last weekend’s electrifying Los Angeles showdown, which saw Giles Scott’s NorthStar Canada claim victory. With eleven teams racing hydrofoiling F50 catamarans capable of reaching speeds over 90 kph (60 mph), fans can expect an action-packed spectacle against the stunning backdrop of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.
A Formula 1 spectacle on water
Often compared to Formula 1 for its speed, cutting-edge technology, and intense competition, SailGP was founded in 2018 by Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison and New Zealand sailing legend Russell Coutts. This year’s event in San Francisco marks the first time in SailGP history that two back-to-back races are being held in the United States.
While Denmark has been ruled out due to significant damage to its catamaran during the Los Angeles event, the remaining eleven teams—including defending champions Spain, strong contenders Australia and New Zealand, and season leaders Emirates GBR—will compete in six races over two days. The final race on Sunday will determine the winner of the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix.
Could we see another event winner?
Emirates GBR currently leads the overall leaderboard, but the team is by no means dominating the fleet. The four events so far this season—Dubai, Auckland, Sydney, and Los Angeles—have all resulted in different winners: New Zealand, Australia, Emirates GBR, and most recently, NorthStar Canada. With this unpredictable pattern, San Francisco could see yet another team rise to the top.
Big breeze contenders
San Francisco is known for its traditionally high winds and strong currents, conditions that typically favour high-wind specialists such as Australia, New Zealand, Emirates GBR, and France. Tom Slingsby, widely regarded as one of the best strategists on and off the water, acknowledged the challenge earlier this week: “It takes bravery to race in San Francisco’s extreme conditions.” However, the weekend forecast suggests more moderate conditions, which could level the playing field and allow for more competitive racing among all teams.
Emirates GBR looking for redemption
After missing the Los Angeles final by just one point, Emirates GBR arrives in San Francisco with a renewed sense of determination. The team, led by driver Dylan Fletcher, has been a dominant force throughout the season but faces intense pressure with Australia just two points behind.
“It was incredibly disappointing to miss out on the final in L.A., but the team is incredibly motivated going into the racing in San Francisco,” Fletcher said. “Our strategy for this season is to remain consistent and deliver solid performances to reach the finals and stay in the top five at every event.”
USA at home
Following an improved 9th place finish in Los Angeles, the United States has another opportunity to defend home waters this weekend. Can Taylor Canfield’s crew take advantage of home support to climb the leaderboard?
Can Spain repeat its Season 4 success in San Francisco?
Last year’s San Francisco event saw Spain pull off a stunning upset, defeating Australia and New Zealand to claim the championship and a $2 million prize. However, it has been an up-and-down season for Spain so far, with strong performances in Dubai and Auckland (finishing 4th and 2nd) followed by a dip in Sydney (7th) and a mid-fleet finish in Los Angeles (5th). Diego Botin’s team will be looking to make its mark on the season leaderboard with an event win. Can they repeat history in San Francisco?
With high stakes, unpredictable conditions, and some of the best sailors in the world vying for victory, the Oracle San Francisco Sail Grand Prix promises to be another thrilling chapter in the SailGP season. Whether it’s Emirates GBR seeking redemption, Australia looking to close the gap, or Spain aiming for a repeat triumph, all eyes are on the Bay as the action unfolds.
