Update 7:26am: comment from SailGP
Thanks very much to SailGP’s spokesperson, we have just recieved comment in relation to Auckland:
“Today’s announcement is the first cut. Discussions with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited and New Zealand Major Events continue and we’re confident about hosting future events in Auckland.
January’s event in Auckland has been one of the highlights of the 2025 Season so far and delivered positive results for the city and New Zealand, including significant economic impact and global broadcast reach.”
New Zealand missing from the first cut of 2026 dates
New Zealand has been conspicuously omitted from the initial 2026 SailGP season schedule, despite Auckland hosting what I would describe as one of the most successful events in the global sailing league’s short history. Instead, Perth has been awarded the opening event of the season, with New Zealand absent from a list of confirmed locations stretching across five continents.
This unexpected exclusion will leave fans questioning what changed behind the scenes. Auckland’s 2025 SailGP regatta drew high praise from athletes, fans, local and national (Auckland and New Zealand) government, and even SailGP’s executive leadership, including CEO Sir Russell Coutts himself. The event was lauded for its electric atmosphere, logistical execution, and stunning on-water conditions – a showcase of world-class foiling in the heart of Tāmaki Makaurau.
A shift in the breeze
SailGP’s official announcement highlights a new strategy favouring long-term, multi-year hosting deals – a model designed to create calendar consistency and strengthen ties with each host city’s tourism and event infrastructure. According to the league, this “first look” at the 2026 schedule confirms venues with already established partnerships, offering “thrilling competition and unforgettable fan experiences at every stop.”
The release details races in Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Bermuda, New York, Halifax, Portsmouth, Saint-Tropez, Dubai and a Grand Final in Abu Dhabi. Notably, Perth will make its debut on the SailGP circuit, hosting the 2026 season opener in January.
Russell Coutts, CEO of SailGP said the decisions reflect “unprecedented interest from cities around the world,” with SailGP aiming to expand its legacy and appeal in each region. While the press release is full of praise for return venues and new additions, it makes no mention of Auckland – nor does it address New Zealand’s omission directly.
What happened to New Zealand?
Given the glowing reviews and strong community support in Auckland, the silence around New Zealand’s exclusion is puzzling. Auckland Council was enthusiastic about the event’s success and expressed willingness to explore future opportunities with SailGP. Similarly, feedback from visiting teams and international media pointed to the Auckland regatta as a highlight of the 2025 calendar.
Yet, the league’s pivot to cities with multi-year deals may have left New Zealand behind – at least for now.
Boating New Zealand has reached out to SailGP for clarification on whether the omission is permanent or if New Zealand may still feature in the yet-to-be-announced slots on the calendar.
Perth steps into the spotlight
While Perth’s inclusion may sting for Kiwi fans, it represents a strong move for SailGP’s Australian market. Perth has predictable winds and infrastructure to support the large event, and Sydney will retain its usual February slot, SailGP now has two Australian stops on the 2026 schedule – a significant commitment to the league’s presence in Australasia.
However, for a country that has contributed so much to the SailGP narrative – both through the Black Foils’ on-water dominance and the calibre of event delivery – the snub is hard to overlook.
Looking ahead
As SailGP eyes expansion in the team count, when I last spoke to Mr. Coutts, he had targeted 14 teams in 2026, and as the league leans further into commercial partnerships with global brands like Rolex, Emirates, Oracle, and Mubadala, it is clearly focused on global reach and long-term growth. In saying this, as a proud Kiwi I am surprised and disappointed at the abrupt absence of New Zealand from the confirmed calendar, and raises, for me, questions about where the New Zealand legacy fits into that vision.
Was it a missed opportunity to secure a multi-year deal? A temporary sidestep? Or a deeper shift away from New Zealand – a long way from anywhere and maybe just one hassle too far?
Confirmed 2026 Season Events
January – Perth Sail Grand Prix
February – Sydney Sail Grand Prix
April – Enel Rio Sail Grand Prix
May – Apex Group Bermuda Sail Grand Prix
May – Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix
June – Canada Sail Grand Prix | Halifax
July – Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix | Portsmouth
September – ROCKWOOL France Sail Grand Prix | Saint-Tropez
November – Emirates Dubai Sail Grand Prix, presented by P&O Marinas
November – Mubadala Abu Dhabi Sail Grand Prix 2026 Season Grand Final, presented by Abu Dhabi Sports Council
We’ll update readers as soon as we hear back from SailGP.
